** It's Monday ... "Car 54, Where Are You?"

Don't ask me where THAT title came from because I have NO idea! It just popped into my head, the way most things do that I write about!  Yeah, I know... scary, isn't it?!

I completed another little task today pertaining to marketing of my book. (I'll be so glad when I won't feel like I'm doing everything backwards...and The Book is OUT THERE!) This was one of the things listed on the "Pre Published - Lay the Foundation" Parts 1 & 2 that I mentioned the other day. Gosh, I wish I could remember where I read that, because I'd love to thank the writer and give her/him recognition. This was #5 on the list: "Invest in a P.O. Box at your local Post Office. You will be mailing promotional items....."etc. I thought that was a great idea and would be much more professional, especially when those checks start rolling in! ☺

I told the clerk I probably won't be getting any mail in it for years and then added, "I guess I'll have to mail myself something", and she just cracked up. I also bought a page of the new Katherine Hepburn 44¢ stamp. What a fabulous actress she was!

Okay... I didn't mean to ramble on so much. NOW, I want to tell you about those 5 books I bought last week at Big Lots. I am so excited about them! Especially because the very first one I chose to read is SO good! I wasn't sure if I'd like it, but I really, really do. It's called "The Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times", by Jennifer Worth. I also discovered it's part of a series of three or four books, so Yippee! I'll have more to read by Jennifer.

The other books I bought that day are: "Hardly Knew Her", by Laura Lippman. This is a book of short stories.

"The Condition", by Jennifer Haigh. I'm familiar with this author. I read "Mrs. Kimble" a couple of years ago and really liked it, so I was thrilled to find this new novel.

This is "Homestead", by Jane Kirkpatrick. It's a memoir about "Modern Pioneers Pursuing the Edge of Possibility". Sounds intriguing!

And lastly, another memoir, "The End of the World As We Know It", by Robert Goolrick. It's about his life growing up in the 1950's. (Hmmm, that's one of my eras!)

You know what "they" say.....Writers should read the same genre that they write. Or something like that. I love memoirs anyway, so that certainly isn't a chore for me to do!

If I can get myself to part with any of these after I read them, I may include one or more in another contest. Would y'all mind reading used books? I'm pretty sure I know the answer to that!

"Good instincts usually tell you what to do long before your head has figured it out." -- Michael Burke

** September Contest **

It's time for my September Contest! Begins today, September 11th. Ends September 18th at Midnight CDT.

Using this picture as your writing prompt, write a story about this scene, using 100 words or less. (I took this picture in September 2008, when I was visiting relatives in Iowa. It is a garden shop, but you can make it be whatever you want. It's YOUR story!) Only one entry per person, so make it a good one, because instead of a random drawing this time, I'm asking The Ronald to help me choose the best story! You do not have to be a follower. Please e-mail your story and do not put it in the comment section. 

I have set up a separate e-mail account just for contests, so mail your submission to: BecSeptCont53@aol.com

So, what is the prize? I think it's pretty nice, but I'll leave it up to you to decide!

It's these 5 things. They are all brand new and have just been waiting in my "gift stash", for the right time! The kitchen towel has a crocheted button-top for hanging over hooks or knobs. I got it at a craft fair.

One pair of authentic Chicken Soup for the Soul, Comfy Cozy Socks!

This is a cute pink, shabby chic birdie tea-light holder.

This is a Pampered Chef, small serving tongs

This is the back of a tiny (about 1" square) pewter Christmas ornament.

It says: "8th in a Series of Historic St. Charles Ornaments, by Holiday House"

And then: "School House/Collier Cottage 1830"

I bought a few of these a couple of years ago when the series was ending and they were On Sale!

This is the front of this adorable building that still stands today on Main Street in Old St. Charles, Missouri.

Until not too many years ago, it was the site of Main Street Books! I loved to shop there and bought many books, CD's, book marks, note cards, you-name-it! Main Street Books is now located in a much larger store, but it is still on Main Street....just a few blocks down! I still buy quite a few items there. I always try to support small businesses and obviously a book store is one of my favorites!

P.S. I obviously remember what this date in recent history means to all of us. I'm not ignoring it. I just chose to not post anything about 9/11 today, mostly because I knew countless others would. I may at a later time, share some of my thoughts and emotions from that day, and how I feel about it all now.

"Why do writers write? Because it isn't there." - Thomas Berger

** Friday Night Lights **

No, not the television show. Just a random title. Because I have De-Light-Ful tidbits to share!

* First of all, I want to mention Ellie Garratt's competition! Check out Ellie's blog and read all about her exciting publication news. In honor of that, she is having a contest which goes until September 21st. (And if her blog looks similar to mine, it's because we both have the same background...Books!

* When going through some papers on my credenza today, I came across a couple of pages I had printed some time ago. They have very good book marketing info, but I have no idea where I found them! I forgot to include the writer/blogger's name. AND, I have Parts One and Two, of a Three Parter! The title is: Pre Published - Lay the Foundation. Sound familiar to anyone?? Well....today, I did one of the things that was suggested. I joined Goodreads and Library Thing. They are both free. I didn't post much info, but will from time to time, I guess. The important thing is what the author of this article says: "You may not think you have the time, but if you drop in once a week for a few minutes you'll learn the ropes and meet people." ALSO, "Once you have the "go ahead" and your book has its final title, go to Goodreads and apply for an author page. They must approve it, but it's pretty easy."  I loved getting these tips, because although I think I'm pretty good at marketing, I hadn't heard of these and there's always new things to learn!

* Does your keyboard have letters that are practically worn off? Or have nicks, dents or scratches in them? I noticed recently that my laptop has 3 keys which are really nicked, due to my finger nails: "A", "S", and the Left Shift Key. Obviously, I use them a lot! I find it strange that I don't have the same condition on any of the right hand keys. Obviously, it must have to do with the way my fingers hit the keys!

* I have found that since being in The Zone, I almost feel compelled to rewrite 75% of my book! I read some of the older stuff, and think, "Wow, is that ever bad!" We shall see what happens.....At this moment, I'm just going to keep going from where I am! Forging Ahead!

Tomorrow I'll post about the 5 books I recently purchased AND give the details of my September Contest!

"We don't know who we are until we see what we can do." - Martha Grimes

** Every Day is a Variety of Life **

I have so much to do and write about today, but it will have to wait until much later.

For now, I want to share a quote I came across earlier this morning. When I read it my mind went boing!

"It's not who you are that holds you back. It's who you think you're not." -- Unknown

** Wednesday's Words **

I had a really great day today! And surprisingly, practically none of it had anything to do with writing....but had a lot to do with house cleaning! Yeah, crazy, huh?! I didn't even know that's how my day would go, either. It certainly wasn't planned. I think it had a lot to do with the fact that my back is finally in really good shape, and that my house was a pit! (The Ronald isn't very helpful when it comes to vacuuming or dusting or laundry....but he does help with the dishes.)

So, anyway, I was Miss Becky-Homecky today and thoroughly enjoyed myself! I get that way sometimes. Turn on some great music and just have a good old time! I also put out a few of my fall decorations on the mantle.  Photos still to come later!

Oh, I have an "Oops" to confess. When I wrote about the 6 new hardcover books yesterday, I was mistaken. When I opened the bag, there were 5 books, and only 3 of them were hardcover! Oh Horrors!! I'm so sorry! More about the books later, too!

Tonight I want to be sure and mention Clara Gillow Clark's blog. She highlighted author/illustrator Lindsay Barrett George. Please go to Clara's blog and read all about Lindsay and the contest Clara is having. Do it quickly, though, because the drawing is in one week!! Her newest book is about an adorable dog named Maggie. I certainly left a comment or two, so I can be in the drawing. The winner(s) doesn't just get a book, there's way more to win....so run on over to Clara's and check it out!

That's it for tonight! It's midnight already and I still want to do some reading!

"Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?" -- Henry Ward Beecher

** 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