Random Thoughts

Be A Rebel Writer! Make The Commitment To Your Goals

2012-01-23T03:34:00.002-06:00

The absolutely amazing Sheri Larsen reminded me I had committed to being a Rebel Writer this year! So I am taking a break from my working break to encourage you to write your goals for 2012. Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic & Timely. (SMART GOALS)

You can have a variety of goals that relate to different aspects of your life. I posted a few of my life goals and writing goals here. My awesome critique partner, Lenny Lee sent me this wonderful planner and I am using it to make sure I am on track with my writing goals. Each day I write down what I did relating to my goals of becoming a published author. It really is motivating me to not have any blank pages. (I don't typically write on the weekends, so having blank spots on those days is fine for me.) I'm keeping a food and workout journal to go along with my health goals for 2012. (It's going well, just in case you wondered...)

I encourage you to keep track of how you are doing on meeting your goals for this year.

If you have time, pop over to Sheri's blog and check out the participants of the REBEL WRITER'S PLEDGE Members. You might find a piece of advice that serves your writing/life style perfectly!

HAPPY WRITING!!!!

(I'm heading back to my office and my manuscript until February 14th when I announce the winner of my book giveaway.)

HUGS TO ALL!!!!

A Giveaway and A Working Break

2012-01-12T19:05:00.000-06:00

Last week, I asked you if you had a plan and I told you mine. Saturday, I began on my health plan. By going six days a week at an extreme fitness gym and following their nutrition plan, I can already see a visible difference in me. (I'm not talking about the fact that I'm limping today, LOL.) I am being really focused. (Everyone claps...)

I realized I need to be like this with my writing too.

Lenny and I working on a picture book. We chatted about it for quite a while today. I'm not sure if this is how you partner up to write a book, but this is how we are doing it. He's writing the first draft and I'm consulting. Then he'll send it to me. Then I'll send it back to him and we'll chat. We'll keep doing that until it is perfect and then we'll send it to some of our great bloggy friends for a critique and more revisions until it's polished and ready to submit.

I read YELLOW STAR by Jennifer Roy. If you get my Goodreads updates or my tweets you'll know I was blown over by the story and the writing. It made me waver a bit about the importance of my hf story compared to something so compelling, but thanks to some supportive friends (waves Theresa and Len) I'm back on track and want to finish my hf mg novel, NOT A HOLIDAY. Lenny has promised to be (on my case) super supportive over the next month so I can get close to having the first draft done.

Soooooo, I'm going to take a working break from blog posting until Valentine's Day. Then I will give you a full report (accountability is so important) on my progress. Until then I am giving away three books. All you have to do is be a follower and leave a comment.

(Published by Guardian Angel a small press based in St. Louis.)

(a personal favorite )

(a writing craft book)

I hope you are having an amazing month!

Hugs to all... (Be safe if you are driving on icy roads.)

Do You Have A Plan?

2012-01-06T09:12:00.000-06:00

Do you have writing goals for 2012?

One of my goals is to finish my mg novel NOT A HOLIDAY. I am going to do is read Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy. I won an agent critique of the first 10 pages and she gave me some great advice. She suggested I read this book (by one of her clients).

Lenny and I are going to write a picture book together this year. He has a great idea for it! Let's just say...gators rock!

I'm going to keep a daily calendar where I write down what I did pertaining to writing that day. I think it will show me how much or little I am doing which will hold me accountable. (I don't want any blank pages!)

I will go to at least one writer's retreat/workshop this year. I'm still wavering on which one to go too. I want to go to one where I can work with master writers and learn from them.

Do you have a health goal for 2012?

I joined a 10 week extreme fitness program. I start tomorrow. I decided it's something I need.
I've put on some weight over the last three years and what I was doing for exercise wasn't working for me. I'll keep you posted (if you want to know).

In 2012, I'm going to remember to stop and enjoy the small blessings in my life. Peaches is such a blessing to our family. She still has a limp, the vet said she probably will always have it. It doesn't seem to bother her. She zooms around the house, jumps on Macy and drags toys down the stairs and around the house.

Have you written any goals for this year? I hope you are going to...I think it makes them more attainable if you put them down on paper.

Happy New Year everyone!

HUGS TO ALL!!!

Ending 2011 On A Positive Note (and a publication)

2011-12-29T12:30:00.000-06:00

I am excited to end 2011 on a high note. My article, TO BLOG OR NOT TO BLOG...That is the Question, was published in the December issue of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Missouri Newsletter. In the article I mention (without names) a couple of special friends I've met because of blogging and some of the opportunities I've had because of blogging. I also mention The A-Z Challenge sponsored by Arlee Bird. ( I know a lot of you did it last year.) It will be A-Z time soon...

Blogging has really made a huge impact on my writing life and my personal life. I feel like I have gained so much by having YOU as my friends. I hope that you have found lots of friends in blogland like I have.

Thank you for being my friend! (HUG)

I hope that 2012 brings you good health, good friends, true love, happiness and (if you are a writer) an agent & a book contract.

HUGS TO ALL...Have a fun and safe New Year's Eve.

Season's Greetings and A Much Needed Reminder...

2011-12-18T16:15:00.000-06:00

I always want everything to be perfect for the holidays...

The stockings must be hung in the exact right spot...

The beautiful wreath my friend Marina made must be centered over the fireplace...

The cool cat ornament my sister Joanne gave me must be in hung with care...

The candle Natalie gave me must be positioned where I can see it for all of the holiday season...

Everything must be just right...

(I don't know what that white spot is on the carpet, but believe me, it's not there now.)

The presents are wrapped in coordinated colors...

Yep...I got a little bit spastic about getting ready to host our Christmas party this year...

My dear friend Lenny wrote the perfect poem to remind me of what is one of the most important things to remember about having a holiday party:

rah rah rah cleanings fun

come on blom just get it done

wash wash wash dust dust dust

do the stuff you think you must

make it sparkly clean and neat

then take a nap get off your feet

be real happy the works all done

go and party and have some fun

Sometimes I get a bit carried away with things and forget that everyone has more fun if the host of the party is having fun too. I hope that you will remember to have lots of fun this holiday season...

Len at a Moment in Thyme has prepared the perfect menu for a Christmas party...

You know I can't help myself when it comes to taking food photos...

How cool are these tiny stuffed new potatoes?

I'm a vegetarian, but these really tempted me...

Len's desserts were DIVINE!

I hope you have a blessed Christmas or Hanukkah and that 2012 brings you everything you want.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Hugs to all!

Living Large in London...part two

2011-12-13T05:43:00.001-06:00

I have discovered I love traveling by trains. Have you ever been on a train trip?

My lovely room at the Hilton at Hyde Park. :)

When my Dad and Bonus Mum asked where I wanted to go this was the first place on my list. The Natural History Museum was a place I had slight memories of from when I was little and lived in London. I had always believed that there was a massive blue whale hanging on the ceiling.

So, we went to see if I could find my giant whale.

Look at these fantastic columns inside the museum!

One large armadillo...

Then I saw it...MY Blue Whale. It wasn't way up in the air like I thought it was, but I was much taller this time when I saw it. It was a life size replica of a blue whale. A skeleton of a real one hung above him. I was pretty please that this was a real memory. Because of my circumstances a lot of my childhood memories are mixed up.

They had all kinds of things to look at.

Isn't this beautiful!!!!

This monkey sculpture was made entirely of bullet casings.

My first sighting of a DoDo bird. Kind of impressive!

There was some great art!

We were lucky enough to be able to observe one of the restoration rooms. Very Cool stuff!

Most of you know my cp, Lenny, calls me Blom...I had to take this picture for him.

I think it was a bank.

It was our first night in London. We were hopping from one bus to another trying to get back to the hotel...Then something really exciting happened. (I've searched on u tube for it) All of a sudden loads of people showed up on their bikes or skateboards. They took over the entire street. No one could pass them on the street. They were shouting, "We are talking back the streets."

On the way back to our hotel, I saw something that I always thought was part of a childhood dream. I couldn't believe it! It was near Hyde Park. A long time ago I decided I must have seen the monument in a French movie. But...it was real, I had seen it when I was little!

I learned a lot about myself on this trip.

Have you ever been on a trip that gave you something more than a wonderful experience?

Hugs to all!

Living Large in London

2011-12-08T21:08:00.001-06:00

This is the British Museum.(Oops, I had the wrong museum originally....thankfully my wonderful sister let me know. Thanks, Jo!) It was full of amazing pieces! I wish I could show you every single picture I took, but you might never speak to me again if I showed them all. (wink)

Have you heard of the Rosetta Stone? I was shocked by how big it was and how tiny the script was.

Flip flops have been around a long long long time!

I want a room like this in my house when I grow up. So many treasured books!

I know this is kind of a horrid picture, but this body was buried in the desert in 3400B.C. It amazes me that the bones survived, let alone the skin and the hair. AMAZING!

The courtyard used to be open, but they enclosed it and put this beautiful glass roof on it.

Even the floor was spectacular!

I'm sure you've heard of Harrod's Department store. This was my first trip there. Wow, was it amazing. I will warn you if you go there they frown on pictures being taken. I got caught twice. (blushes)

Talk about fancy!

Some serious boots!!!

Some expensive shoes.

Really expensive shoes...around $1,000 !

Some extremely expensive shoes....$1600!

I got caught and told off here...Now, I'm not usually a rule breaker, but...

We do Christmas Crackers at our house every year and if we have guests during the holiday season I try to introduce them to our tradition. These are some seriously posh Christmas Crackers!

I tried to take a picture inside the tea room at Harrod's, but a security guard stopped me. I am definitely going their for a cream tea the next time I visit London. It was absolutely adorable.

I've never seen anything like it!

I hope you enjoyed part one of Living Large in London.

Thanks for putting up with me...and thanks for all the birthday wishes you guys sent me on Tuesday!

You're the BEST!

Th Winner Is...

2011-12-06T00:30:00.000-06:00

Thanks for stopping in today!

I hope you are having a lovely week...full of writing and fun.

Random.org selected my winner.

Marcia Hoehne

(Please email me your address, Marcia.)

If you haven't met Marcia, I recommend you pop over to her blog. Marcia is a writing instructor and once a month, she gives away a free critique! She also does great book reviews and posts about writing.

Thanks for entering and reading my blog.

Have an wonderful rest of the week. Thursday I will be posting some photos from London.

Hugs to all!

I'm A Winner, A Researcher and a Giverawayer (Not sure how to spell that?)

2011-12-01T20:00:00.000-06:00

I'm a Winner!

Not only was November NaNoWriMo, it was PiBoIdMo. I signed up for both, but due to unexpected circumstances I wasn't able to finish NaNo....But I finished PiBo with 31 new ideas! My plans are to compile all my ideas on to a piece of poster board and post it in my office. Then I can check them off as I complete the first draft of each story. (I love list making.) If you aren't sure what PiBoIdMo is, it's Picture Book Idea Month, Tara did a super job organizing it. (*waves*)

I'm a Researcher...

We found this on the beach in South Shields, England.

We think it was a watch station of some sort for the Home Guard during WWII.

This beautiful spot was beside a cafe' we stopped at on our way to Eden Camp.

As you enter this WWII POW camp you will notice the barbed wire fence and the watch towers. Eden Camp house prisoners of war during WWII. The prisoners were mostly Italian and German. If they were good they were allowed to have day passes to work in local businesses and on farms. There was a shortage of strong young men during the War as they were all off fighting.

They had several examples of bomb shelters. I am refraining from showing you all my photos.

Be thankful...I took a LOT.

During the War every man, woman, child and baby was required to carry a gas mask with them at all times. The babies had units that they completely fit in and I'm sure it was their mums that carried it for them.

A group of school children were on a visit to Eden Camp and were all labeled with identification labels and carried a small satchel, just like the children who were evacuated during the war.

All sorts of artifacts were on display; from food

to what a bombed building might look like,

To examples of blacking out a room,

to fashions,

and even popular toys. This dolly is dressed in a woman's service uniform.

Prisoners at Eden Camp enjoyed shows.

The treatment they endured was much much much kinder than the treatment the Allied Forces received.

Bombs and planes showed the attitude of the Brits.

I hope you enjoyed a little bit of my research on my trip to England. My next post will be on December 6th and I'll announce the winner of my English Goodie Bag Give Away. If you haven't entered, please hop over HERE and enter.

I hope you had a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Hugs to all!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-22T22:26:00.000-06:00

I hope your Thanksgiving (and regular week if you are not in the USA) week is full of fantastic food!

And of people you love...

Be sure to count your blessings. I'll be counting mine too....

And I'm thankful for all of YOU!

Thank you for being part of my life...

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Hugs to all....

(If you haven't entered my English goodie bag give-away...please don't forget to.)

Eating my way through England, OPEN MINDS winner and An English Goodie Bag Giveaway

2011-11-17T03:26:00.001-06:00

If you ever visit England you MUST have a Cream Tea...It's a lovely fresh scone, strawberry jam, butter, and clotted cream. It is by far one of the most special treats one can have. Of course you would have it with a lovely cup of tea in a quaint tea room.

No trip to England is complete without visiting a historic pub for a meal and a drink.

My very handsome almost 91 year old Grandad, never fails to take me to a wonderfully historic pub.

I was doing some WWII research while I was there (more to come in another post). This is a weeks worth of rations for one person during and for several years after the war.

Every time you stop for afternoon tea you get a lovely sweet like this.

Or like this flapjack.

But as you can see, what I had was another scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

And a lovely cup of tea.

When I was a little girl you got fish and chips wrapped up in newsprint. Times have changed. They now come in these very nice boxes.

It was unseasonably warm while I was in England, so once we got out fish and chips we walked to the boardwalk and sat on benches and ate our dinner by the sea. It was fantastic!

The food was a bit fancier in London. I can't remember who had bangers and mash, but it was quite pretty. Someone started eating before I got to their plate, so no picture of that one.

This was to be my dinner. A Smoked Salmon sandwich, salad and chips. To my surprise, the smoked salmon was RAW! I pulled out all the slimy salmon and ate the cheese and bread with my salad and chips.

We went to Buckingham Palace. It was awesome! You'll be so jealous when I tell you who's wedding dress I got to see. After our tour, we went into the garden to have a little something and a cup of tea. I had a piece of this very special type of cake. It is the Digestive Biscuit Chocolate Cake that was served at Kate and Williams wedding. (They had two cakes.) It was DIVINE!

The last night we were in London, I was exhausted, so I stayed in and ordered room service. I have to say this was the best mushroom and onion pizza I have ever eaten!

Many of you may of heard of Sticky Toffee Pudding. I'll warn you about it: They will never serve you a big enough piece...(SOOOO good)

On the train you can walk down to a little cafe to get something hot to eat or drink. Someone does walk around with snacks and drinks, but if you go to the cafe they will cook you something.

I had a lovely cheese and tomato toasty. (MMMMM)

These two people mean the world to me. They have been married for over 71 years this year (1941-2011) and they are still in love.I've never seen anything so beautiful!

The winner of a copy of OPEN MINDS and an OPEN MINDS bookmark is:

Theresa Milstein

*Do you have a marriage role model?

*When you are in foreign countries do you try the local foods?

*Lastly, be a follower, answer one or both of the questions and you could win an English Goodie Bag.

(I'd love it if you tweeted or Facebooked the giveaway, but it's not necessary.) I'll announce the winner on December 6th.

Pets, Picture Books and Pals...

2011-11-12T00:13:00.000-06:00

Can I hear an "Ohhhhh?"

Macy has spent her whole life trying to make a special (furry) friend.

Now she has one.

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

November is a busy month for lots of writers. Some participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month--50,000 words in one month) and others participate in PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month--30 new picture book ideas in one month). I've been dabbling a little in both. I'm thinking I'm going to have to commit to one or the other, as my brain seems to be skipping around.

Last weekend I went to the SCBWI-MO conference and had the honor of being critiqued by Quinlan Lee from the Adams Literary Agency. I submitted my picture book manuscript; Operation Pied Piper to her (you can read the blurb for it on my completed manuscripts page). As always, I like to share a little of what I learned.

At 659 words, it is the perfect length for a picture book. (big smile)
Has great details and voice. (huge smile)
Interesting time in history. (big smile)
A historical fiction is a hard sale for a debut author. (hmmmm) Try writing something more commercial, quirky, fun first.
Story leaves you hanging...not enough action. (yep, I knew that)
Would the story be better if it was told through a different character's eyes. (OMGoodness...I was just thinking that!)
Consider making it into a middle grade novel. (Yay! I've already started writing it and am on chapter 7.)

I have to say Quinlan was lovely and very supportive. Her presentation to the whole group was outstanding. If you have the opportunity to interact with her at a conference, go for it. She is super friendly and a delightful speaker. She even took some extra time to visit with my dear friend Susan.

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

This is the Pals part of my post...

My wonderful bloggy friend Sheri Larsen has been working furiously on picture books this month! If you don't know Sheri you should hop over and check her out. She has a great site full of useful information for writers of all genres, plus she's wicked cool!

If you haven't entered my giveaway for Susan Kaye Quinn's new book OPEN MINDS hop over and leave a comment. I'll announce who the winner is on my November 17th post.

Everybody's pal (and picture book writer) Robyn Campbell has been sick all week...so if you get a chance to hop over and give her a virtual hug I'm sure she'd appreciate it.

Are you participating in NaNo or PiBo this year?

Do you have a pet that you love more than chocolate?

Thanks for stopping in and hugs to all!!!

Help Push String Bridges to Number One on Amazon!

2011-11-11T01:34:00.000-06:00

Today is THE day to help Jessica Bell's debut, STRING BRIDGE, hit
the bestseller list on Amazon, and receive the all-original soundtrack, Melody Hill: On the Other Side, written and performed by the author herself, for free!

All you have to do is
purchase the book today (paperback, or eBook), November 11th, and
then email the receipt to:

jessica.carmen.bell(at)gmail(dot)com

She will
then email you a link to download the album at no extra cost!

To purchase the paperback:

Amazon USA

To purchase the eBook:

Amazon USA

Amazon UK

To listen to samples of the soundtrack, visit iTunes.

If you are
not familiar with String Bridge,
check out the book trailer:

Rave Reviews for String Bridge:

“Jessica Bell’s STRING BRIDGE strummed the fret of my
veins, thrummed my blood into a mad rush, played me taut until the final page,
yet with echoes still reverberating. A rhythmic debut with metrical tones of
heavied dark, fleeting prisms of light, and finally, a burst of joy—just as
with any good song, my hopeful heartbeat kept tempo with Bell’s narrative.” ~ Kathryn Magendie, author of Sweetie and Publishing Editor of Rose & Thorn Journal

“Poet and
musician Jessica Bell's debut novel String Bridge is a rich exploration of desire, guilt, and the
difficult balancing act of the modern woman. The writing is lyrical throughout,
seamlessly integrating setting, character and plot in a musical structure that
allows the reader to identify with Melody's growing insecurity as her world
begins to unravel … String Bridge is
a powerful debut from a promising writer, full of music, metaphor, and just a
hint of magic.” ~ Magdalena Ball, author of Repulsion
Thrust and Sleep Before Evening

“Jessica Bell is a brilliant writer
of great skill and depth. She doesn't pull back from the difficult
scenes, from conflict, pain, intensity. She puts it all out there, no holds
barred, no holding back. She knows how to craft a scene, how to develop
character, how to create suspense. This is an absolutely brilliant debut novel.
I look forward to reading her
next novel, and next and next.” ~ Karen Jones
Gowen, author of Farm Girl, Uncut Diamonds and House of Diamonds

Connect with Jessica:

String Bridge: http://www.stringbridge.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jessica_bell

Website: http://www.jessicacbell.com/

Blog: http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.jessica.bell

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MsBessieBell

Publisher: http://www.luckypress.com

Please Help Jessica get the word out on her book by TWEETing and/or FACEBOOKing this post using #StringBridge!

Hugs to all...

OPEN MINDS...Do you have one?

2011-11-03T03:04:00.000-05:00

I was lucky enough to score a signed copy of Susan Kaye Quinn's newest book on her blog last week! I'm so excited about this book. I don't get up early to do anything and I've been getting up early to read it before I start my day. Yep, it's that good! I'm going to give away a copy of Susan's book and a book mark to help celebrate the release of Open Minds. All you have to do is follow Susan and me and leave a comment on this post. I'll post the winner on my November 17th post. Random.org will chose the winner.

Susan is an amazing person! She has engineering degrees (B.S. Aerospace Engineering, M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering) and has worked everywhere from NASA to NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) to a little Venice Beach restaurant called The Green Bean (I was the bookkeeper). I've designed aircraft engines, studied global warming, and held elected office (as a school board member). Now she writes novels and has the coolest business card that say "Rocket Scientist and Author."

Here's the summary and links where you can buy Open Minds...

When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.

Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can’t read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can’t be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentally controls Raf’s mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frightening new ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tangle around her, and she’s dragged deep into a hidden world of mindjackers, where having to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadly choices before her.

Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy) by Susan Kaye Quinn is available in e-book (Amazon US (also UK,France and Germany), Barnes & Noble, Smashwords) and print (Amazon, Createspace, also autographed copiesavailable from the author).

If you don't know Susan you need to hop over and check her out! Not only does she write young adult books, but also women's fiction and YA Romance....

So I'd like to introduce you to Susan...

Me: I'd like to thank you for dropping in for a little chat.

Susan Kaye Quinn: Thanks for having me! Talking about writing is second only to actual writing in the fun department. Especially when chatting with my friends! J

Me: A few months ago you self published a book for your son, Adam. Was that a practice run for Open Minds?

Adam’s book is free for the e-version on smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/64737

SKQ: I didn’t intend it that way. At the time, I was querying Open Minds and getting lots of interest from agents. I figured I had a good chance of getting representation and still intended to pursue that route. At the same time, my son had spent the whole school year working on his novel (and editing after I critiqued it). When he was done, I promised we would print up copies for his teacher and friends. Being well aware of the rise of self-publishing, I figured e-books would be a great way to give copies to his friends without going broke at the copy shop. Turns out that printing a POD book costs LESS than getting a manuscript printed at the copy shop. I was stunned! So, I dove in, figured out how to format it for print, and we made a cute book for him. I’m very proud of him (and he’s proud of the final product, which is even better!).

ME: Can you tell us a little about the process of self publishing Open Minds?

SKQ: Over the summer, my thinking shifted about traditionally publishing Open Minds. Editor (and thus agent) interest was waning in paranormal, even though people were still buying it like crazy. Self-publishing was becoming more and more respectable. Authors I respected were pursuing both traditional and self-publishing at the same time. Having published through a small press, I did a careful weighing of the costs (professional cover and editing) vs. the potential payoff. If I was going to self-publish, I wanted a product that could proudly sit on the same virtual shelf with traditionally published books. I decided I could do that, and pulled Open Minds from the agents that still had it, so I could self-publish in time for Christmas.

Me: How did you come up with the storyline for Open Minds?

SKQ: It started as an entry to a first paragraph contest on Nathan Bransford’s blog! I wanted a catchy first paragraph, and none of my current stories had one. So I decide to write one for a story that didn’t exist. As I mulled some story ideas that had been floating in my head, the image of a girl sitting in a classroom full of mindreaders popped into my head. Everyone read minds, except for her, and her isolation in that world was utter and complete. The rest of the story grew out of that first picture. (I didn’t win the paragraph contest, though. J)

Me: I think I heard a rumor that you were going to write a sequel. Is that true?

SKQ: Absolutely! In fact, I’ve already outlined Books 2 and 3 of the Mindjack trilogy. I have a very detailed outline of Closed Hearts(Book 2) and plan to draft it during National Novel Writing Month, which is either a brilliant idea or completely crazy. I haven’t decided which. Ask me at the end of November. J

Me: When I sit down to write I have to have a thermos of coffee. Do you have any writing rituals?

SKQ: I almost always have tea on hand. It’s not so much a ritual as a continuous drip of caffeine. Because apparently I need it.

Me: I have Jolly Rancher (Lenny sends them to me) on my desk. Do you have a writing vice?

SKQ: How lucky are you, getting candy from Lenny?? My writing vice is that I spend too much time doing it. I have to pry myself away from the keyboard. #addicted

Me: Finally, any words of advice for aspiring writers?

SKQ: Write, write some more, keep writing. Seriously, the most important thing you can do is a large volume of work. The second most important is to continually strive to improve your craft: study bestsellers, swap critiques, read books on writing. Finally, give yourself room to breathe and discover who you are as a writer. Writing is a process of self-discovery as much as it is about storytelling. The two are intertwined. Only you can tell the stories you have! Allow yourself the freedom to be yourself in your writing.

Me: Thanks so much for stopping in for a visit and I wish you the best of luck with Open Minds.

Susan Kay Quinn: Thanks so much for having me! The support of my blogosphere friends during the launch of Open Minds has just been overwhelmingly awesome. I am so lucky and grateful to be a part of this writing community!

You can find Susan on:

Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.

Please stop back on November 17th to see if you are the lucky winner of a copy of Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn and her bookmark. (Ya'll know I love bookmarks...)

String Bridges...Launch Party: Bloggy Friend Jessica Bell Makes Good!

2011-10-31T08:42:00.000-05:00

Jessica Bell lives in Athens, Greece, but is actually from Melbourne, Australian from Melbourne. If you don't know Jessica, hop over to her blog and say hi.

Jessica writes literary women's fiction, poetry and is a singer/songwriter who grew up in Melbourne, Australia,with her parents who were successful gothic rock musicians during the '80s and early '90s.

She spent much of her childhood travelling to and from Australia to Europe, experiencing two entirely different worlds, yet feeling equally at home in both environments. She currently lives in Athens, Greece and works as a freelance writer/editor for English Language Teaching publishers worldwide, such as HarperCollins, Pearson Education and Macmillan Education.

In addition to String Bridge, Jessica has published a book of poetry called Twisted Velvet Chains. A full list of poems and short stories published in various anthologies and literary magazines can be found under Published Works & Awards, on her website.

From September 2012 Jessica will be hosting the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop on the Greek island of Ithaca, home of Odysseus.

I have to tell you I love Jessica's voice! She'll make you feel like she ripped your heart out! Her writing tunes you into every feeling you've ever had, both in her poetry book, Twisted Velvet Chains (which I bought about a month ago) and her novel, String Bridges . I was so pleased to find some of her poetry in her newest novel, String Bridges. I asked if I could share one of those poems with you. Of course, she said yes...

Selfish Heartbreak

I used to thrive on hate

until I learned to love

you.

I used to bite my tongue

until betrayal scarred

virtue.

I used to feel selfish

til you proved it weren't

true.

Look at this.

Look at this selfish heartbreak.

Look at this.

Look as this selfish heart break.

You destroyed what I learned to value most

the reason behind my

tattoo.

See what I mean! Whew!

Here's the blurb on the jacket flap...

Greek cuisine, smog and domestic drudgery was not the life Australian musician, Melody, was expecting when she married a Greek music promoter and settled in Athens, Greece. Keen to play in her new shoes, though, Melody trades her guitar for a ‘proper' career and her music for motherhood. That is, until she can bear it no longer and plots a return to the stage—and the person she used to be. However, the obstacles she faces along the way are nothing compared to the tragedy that awaits ....

Here are the links you'll need to get the whole scoop:

String Bridge Website: http://www.stringbridge.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11502954-string-bridge

String Bridge Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv-hRMA0kqQ
String Bridge Merchandise: http://www.cafepress.com/janicephelps/8155170
website: http://www.jessicacbell.com/
blog: http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.jessica.bell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MsBessieBell
retreat & workshop site: http://hwrw.blogspot.com/

eBook

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/String-Bridge-ebook/dp/B005Y48DF6/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319369262&sr=1-1

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/String-Bridge-ebook/dp/B005Y48DF6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319370801&sr=8-1

Paperback:

Amazon.com: (Coming soon)

Amazon UK: (Coming soon)

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/string-bridge-jessica-bell/1030101696

There's even a soundtrack for String Bridges!

Soundtrack:

iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=465313522

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Melody-Hill-Other-Side/dp/B005P7ARNS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317118328&sr=8-1

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Melody-Hill-Other-Side/dp/B005P7G02A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317118484&sr=8-1

Make sure you stop by here to congratulate Jessica and enter her contest!

Natalie Aguirre & Tess Hilmo are the winners of beautiful White Assassin bookmarks...

THE WHITE ASSASSIN WICKED AWESOME BLOG TOUR! (a winner & a drawing)

2011-10-24T08:01:00.000-05:00

If you love reading or writing mid grade novels and you don't know Hilary Wagner you are missing out on something special! Hilary writes epicly beautiful stories about rats. How could a story about rats be epic? Hilary is a master writer. Her words are beautiful. She wraps you up in the story and the characters lives. She causes you to love or hate with your whole heart. (I'm really seeing a movie in her future...)

In book one, Nightshade City I fell in love with Vincent, Victor and Clover. I even fell in love with Billycan one of the evil doers. Once you open the first page of this book you won't want to put it down. You'll be fully immersed in Nightshade City and entranced by all the characters. But then the book ends...And you'll be sad...because you want more.

Thankfully, Hilary is willing to give us more! The White Assassin leaves off right where Nightshade City ends....but be ready to not put this book down until you are finished reading it. There are twists and turns and new (creature) characters introduced and some old ones creep out of the catacombs.....This is a book you will not be able to put down. I know The White Assassin has just been released, but I'm desperate for the next book already! (hint hint hint Holiday House Publishers)

Christmas is just around the corner...if you have any 8-12 year olds on your shopping list Nightshade City and The White Assassin would be awesome gifts for them. Kids who read do better in school. Hilary is cranking out more books as we speak...So the lucky kids who get hooked on Hilary will have many books to read in the future. (Still thinking there's going to be a movie...hint hint hint MZ)

Here's the official information...

The White Assassin
Book II of the Nightshade Chronicles
by Hilary Wagner

Publisher: Holiday House

Pub Date: October 2^nd, 2011
ISBN: 9780823423330

Ages: 9 up

Official Website: www.nightshadecity.com

Blog: www.hilarywagner.blogspot.com

About the THE WHITE ASSASSIN:

Book II in the Nightshade Chronicles begins three years after Juniper and his rebel band of rats liberate the Catacombs and defeat their oppressors.

A sense of peace has settled over Nightshade City, but it is a false one. Billycan, the white assassin, has been found. Deep in the southern swamps, he now rules a primitive horde of savage swamp rats eager to overrun Nightshade City and claim it for their king. With the help of an ancient colony of bats and an uneasy alliance with the swamp snakes, Juniper and his Council set out to thwart Billycan’s plans. When an old secret is revealed—one so shocking it shakes both Billycan and Juniper to the core—the fate of Nightshade City and the life of Juniper’s only son depend on Juniper’s decision: should he help his mortal enemy? The past resurfaces with devastating impact in this exciting sequel toNightshade City, a dark tale of intrigue, deception, and betrayal.

Nightshade City, Book I of the Nightshade Chronicles is a CBC Best Book of 2011 and a Crystal Kite finalist.

I'll be giving away two The White Assassin bookmarks to two lucky readers...All you have to do is be a follower and a follower of Hilary's blog and leave a comment here. (I'll announce the winners on November 1st.)

Drum roll.....

The winner of Tess Hilmo's book With A Name Like Love is:

SA Larsen

The following readers won With A Name Like Love Bookmarks:

Shelby

Stina Lindenblatt

Ms Hatch

Jemi Fraser

Melissa Sugar

Mary Mary

Please email me at sharon k mayhew at gmail dot com with your address.

Have a wonderful week and be sure to pick up a copy of The White Assassin and With A Name Like Love...You won't regret spending the money for them.

OMGoodness! I just won a copy of Open Minds from the Awesome Susan Kaye Quinn. FYI: Friday she is going to post the first chapter to this awesome sounding book...

Do you collect bookmarks? or do you use them? I love bookmarks! I buy the as souvenirs...

With A Name Like Love...(give-a-way)

2011-10-13T15:50:00.000-05:00

This beautiful woman is Tess Hilmo. Do you know Tess? She writes the most thoughtful blog posts and is one of my critique partners. We met at the Highlights Foundation Summer Workshop in Chautauqua, New York in 2008. We immediately connected.

When I grow up I want to write like Tess... (I'm hoping that happens really soon.) I've had the privilege of reading her beautiful words before she was signed by Steve Chudney and sold her first book. It's been an honor to be one of her critique partners. (*waves to the rest of the WAD*)

This beautiful hardback book is now available.

You can get it on Amazon or at B & N.

(B& N has an outstanding price on it!)

While I was in England my copy of With A Name Like Love arrived. I was so excited! Any time one of your writing friends has success, it's like you have a little success and a lot more hope for your own success.

I mentioned to Tess that I would like to do a post about WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE and she said she'd like to donate a copy for a drawing (U.S. only). She also sent me 6 beautiful bookmarks to give away (everyone is eligible). To win, follow Tess and leave a comment here. I would love it if you would Tweet or post on Facebook about the give-a-way (I have those handy little buttons at the bottom on my posts.)...I want everyone to know about WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE!

Here's what Kirkus said about WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE when it gave it a starred review...

Kirkus gives With A Name Like Love a starred review!

Hilmo creates a family, a town and a mystery that readers won’t soon forget.

In July of 1957, the Love family rolls into the tiny town of Binder, Ark. Reverend Everlasting Love, his wife Susanna and their daughters Olivene (called Ollie), Martha, Gwen, Camille and Ellen set up camp so Reverend Love can preach for three evenings before they load it all up again and head to the next small town down the road. Such is the life of an itinerant preacher’s family. But there is something different about Binder, Ark., something strange enough to cause the family to stay a while longer. Ollie meets a boy named Jimmy, whose mother is in jail for killing his brutish father. Jimmy insists she didn’t do it, but everyone else in town is convinced she did. Poor Jimmy could certainly use a friend. The Love family, particularly Ollie, cannot abide the injustice, but what can they possibly do to help? And just how long will they stay in Binder, anyway? There is, after all, a boarded-up church in the center of town needing a preacher, and Ollie, for one, would sure love to stay put for a good long while. Hilmo relishes her small-town setting and develops her characters with affection. Readers will become caught up in events as firmly as Ollie is.

A story about the meaning of home, justice and love, beautifully told. (Historical fiction. 9-12)

(Big smile!)

I hope you will hop over and check out Tess here and here...then wait until October 24th to see if you won a copy of WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE or a bookmark...then...if you didn't win click here or here to buy your own copy. You won't regret it!

The Winners Are...

2011-10-10T08:10:00.000-05:00

The winners of the top two prize packages are Maeve Fraiser & The Desert Rock!

Consolation prizes go to Gail, Medeia Shariff, Crystal & Melissa Sarno!

If you are a winner (I know all of you are winners in life), please email me your full name and address so I can post you your prize.

I'll be back to my normal Thursday postings this week...I had a super trip in England and plan on doing a post with photos (hahaha) later this month, along with a vacation souvenir giveaway. It will include chocolate!

Have a wonderful week!

Ahhh, Ohhh and a Contest

2011-09-22T10:33:00.000-05:00

It's official. I am Macy's hero. I feed her. I give her water. I take her for walks. I play fetch with her...but what makes me a hero? I brought Peaches home and Macy (after almost 5 years of life) finally has a very best friend.

There is an apple tree about 3/4th of a mile from our house. Guess what kind of a hunter Macy is? An apple hunter. She carried this apple all the way home. Her tongue hung out one side of her mouth. She stopped to rest about fifty times. She took a dip, with her apple, in a waterfall (man made). She did not want any help. (She growled when I offered.)

After a brief cooling off period on the floor vents, Macy carried her prized apple to the living room and ate it.

I'm heading to England to visit family for the next two weeks. I'm planning on taking my Macy notes and working on a new manuscript. Memoirs of Macy the Mutt....

While I'm gone I thought I'd leave you with some Random questions and prizes from my last vacation. There will be two prize packages and four consolation prizes. The consolation prizes are a beautiful bookmark from Terry Lynn Johnson and a piece of amethyst that I found in Canada. One prize pack will have a signed copy of the thriller A Reason For Dying by my dear friend Will Bereswill. The other prize pack will have a copy of Three Wolves and The Big Bad Pig.

All you have to do is be a follower and answer the questions in the comments. Good Luck, Everyone!
1. Which do you prefer to read, kid's books or grown up books?
2. Do you keep a journal?
3. Are you sweet or sour?
4. Do you ask for directions when you get lost?

Hugs to all...I'll miss you. I'll be back on October 7th and random.org will pick wiunners on October 10th.

Something Like That...

2011-09-16T13:28:00.000-05:00

When life gives you a bowl full of cherries...make cherry pie! (and send some to Lenny)

I know you expect me to write posts full of wisdom, but today I've got nothing. Cross my heart hope to die stick a needle in my thigh.

Do any of you or your characters accidentally get things mixed up? This week I locked my keys in the car, in the pump line at a gas station. I had to call a locksmith. (So, if you were wondering, my hair is naturally blond.)

**************************

Speaking of wise people the Awesome Terry Lynn Johnson is having a fantastic giveaway!

The talented Talli Roland released her second novel, Watching Willow Watts, this week. If you don't know Talli, she's a wicked cool Brit. You can find her on her blog and Goodreads. Congratulations, Talli!

*************************

Be safe...
Be Happy...
&
Hugs to all...

Enjoy the Seasons...of Your Life

2011-09-08T08:21:00.001-05:00

(Lake Superior at Duluth, Minnesota)

(Not Sea Gulls... Lake Gulls???)

(How cool is this bridge? The center slides up when a boat needs to pass through the canal.)

(Gooseberry State Park)

(Trees thriving in the cooler climate.)

(Guess what greeted us as we crossed the border? Canadian Geese. LOL!)

(We took a walk through some beautiful woods until we got to a historic fort.)

(A beaver fur top hat. I always wondered what they looked like.)

(Thunder Bay, Canada...a view from the top of a mountain.)

(Amethyst can come in more than one color. It gets its color from the iron and quartz in the soil.)

(We had big fun hunting for amethyst at this mine!)

(I'm going to give away a couple pieces I found later this month.)

(Ouimet Canyon was spectacular!)

(It was formed by glaciers.)

(Visitors are not allowed in the bottom of the canyon. Rare arctic plants grow there!)

(Then we took a quick trip to Bull Shoals Lake and to Branson, Missouri for some back to school shopping.)

************************

I promise I used restraint posting these pictures! I took about 300 and only posted 18.

************************

Have you ever been unhappy, I mean really unhappy? So unhappy you just wanted to go...anywhere.

I have a cure for this feeling of doom and gloom.

Consider this time of your life as a season. Seasons come and go. They don't last forever.

While you are in this season find ways to appreciate it for what it is. Go out, make friends, exercise, start new traditions and look for the good in your situation.

Because this is just one season in your life it WILL pass and you will move on to another season.

I REALLY & TRULY think this is true...

If you are in a season that you aren't enjoying (start small, like noticing how nice the neighbors flowers are) look for the joy of that season.

As winter approaches here in North America, I'm reminding myself that those frigid blustery days (that are getting closer) do have beautiful moments that can be appreciated; sparkly snow, Macy romping around, quiet still nights and sometimes days, crisp clean beautiful landscape scenes, and the opportunity to stay home because of the weather.

Remember you can get through this, just like the seasons; this too will pass.

What is going on in this season of your life?

(((Hugs))) to all!

The Internet Needs More Kittens!!!

2011-09-01T05:29:00.001-05:00

Some of you guys have been friends with me for a long time....You might remember May of 2010 when my dear Stripes died. I was put into a long sad funk. I met some awesome bloggy friends during my grief. (*waves*)

On July 30th of this year, I stopped at our vet's office to drop off Ginger for boarding while we were gone on a trip....

That's when it happened...

I fell in love!

Our dear vet (let's call him John) had a tiny kitten in his office. Someone found her injured and starving and brought her to him so he could put her to sleep. He took her back to his office and gave her a little food. She gobbled it up. At this point she weighed 8 ounces. I'm guessing she purred and that was it...he was in kitty love. He couldn't put her to sleep. She had a leg injury and wasn't very mobile. He and his staff nursed her back to health. They petted her and loved her. "John" wanted to bring her home ~~to his~~ ~~ever growing pet kingdom~~. But he already had quite a few pets. So he hoped that someone would adopt her.

We thought about her for a week...We named her Peaches (because she looks like peach ice cream). When I could take it no more, I sent "John" a facebook message. Katherine and I were desperate for our vacation to end so we could see if Peaches was still there.

We were not disappointed. "John" saved her for us. She weighed about 4 pounds when we got her two weeks ago. She now weighs about 5 pounds. Everyone loves her!

She and Ginger are bonding. Macy adores her. (Sorry no photo.) Macy gives her kisses and follows her around.

She's pretty happy, as are the rest of us...

(She probably will always have a limp, but her purrs make up for it.)

Did you have anything happen this summer that has left a lasting smile on your face?

(I'm planning on posting once a week from now on. Unless I have a burning issue that I feel compelled to post. This will give me more time to visit everyones' blogs and to continue with the good writing habits I established in August.)

I hope everyone had a wonderful month! (((Hugs)))

Budding Artist...Bethany Runyan

2011-07-29T22:10:00.000-05:00

Aren't these beautiful?

My very talented niece, Bethany Runyan, did them. I'm hoping she'll study art when she goes to college. I should have scanned more of them when she visited us in May. She's amazing!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This will be my last post until September. We're taking a little trip and when we get back I'm going to focus on querying the five manuscripts I revised in June. (fingers, toes and eyes crossed)

I'll still be lurking around blogland, reading your posts. :)

Have a wonderful rest of the month....

Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies...a FREE webinar on 7/27, and a take away

2011-07-26T21:15:00.001-05:00

If you've been around blogland for very long, I'm sure you've run into the AWESOME Deborah Halverson....

Deborah edited children's books for ten years, until she switched sides and became an author. Now she is an award-winning author of books for young readers, including the teen novels HONK IF YOU HATE ME and BIG MOUTH and the newly released WRITING YOUNG ADULT FICTION FOR DUMMIES. (You can check out her books here.) Deborah has a master's degree in American literature and a fascination with pop culture, she sculpts stories from extreme events and places— tattoo parlors, fast-food joints, and, most extreme of all, high schools. Deborah is also the founder of the writers' advice website DearEditor.com. (Which is full of great advice! You can even submit a question.) She lives with her husband and triplet sons (THREE boys all the same age, YIKES) in San Diego, California. Sometimes she blogs about living with triplets.

So here are the details on her newest book.... It's a hands-on, friendly guide to writing young adult fiction.

With young adult book sales rising, and bestselling authors exploding onto the scene, aspiring YA writers are more numerous than ever. Are you interested in writing a young adult novel, but aren't sure how it fits the style that appeals to young readers? WRITING YOUNG ADULT FICTION FOR DUMMIES gives you tricks of the trade and proven tips on all the steps of writing a YA novel, from developing an idea to publication.

Unique writing exercises to help you find your own authentic teen voice
Tips for submitting manuscripts
How to break into the flourishing young adult market

With the help of this step-by-step guide, you'll have all the skills to write an inspiring and marketable young adult novel.

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

Now if you'll remember, I said that Deborah is some kind of awesome....When I told her I was going to do a post about her book she sent me a link for you...It's a YA Writing Cheat Sheet. How awesome is that? And if you are on the ball tomorrow, Wednesday, July 27th you can register for her FREE webinar. See What I mean about her awesomeness? I'm registering for sure!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you'll click on the links and check out Deborah and her newest book: WRITING YOUNG ADULT FICTION FOR DUMMIES. (Maybe I'll see you at her webinar tomorrow.)

I hope you are having a great summer!

Good Things Can Happen...and Query Quandary

2011-07-14T16:29:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited for my dear friend, Tess Hilmo! Her book With A Name Like Love comes out in September. But that's not even the best part of it...With A Name Like Love got a starred review from Kirkus. A starred review means they think Tess's book has remarkable merit. I knew it the first time she shared her work with the Wad. Tess has a beautiful voice...on paper and in real life. I hope you will check out her awesome review and buy her book when it comes out. I preordered my copy last week. If you don't know Tess please hop over to her blog and her website to check her out. You won't be disappointed!

*********************************************************************

I have a couple query questions for you guys? I'm about to query several picture book manuscripts...

Do you submit to publishers, agents, or both at the same time?
Do you do simultaneous submissions?
Do you tell everyone you query that it is a simultaneous submission?
Are you querying anything right now? How's it going?

Any advice is welcome...

Thanks everyone and have a wonderful weekend!

A Full Report...(From Macy)

2011-07-08T08:57:00.001-05:00

Mom bought me a HUGE outside bowl for the cabin.

It gets hot at Bull Shoals Lake in Missouri and Arkansas, but I seriously don't think I can drink it! I'm for sure am not drinking it after she plopped me in it???

I happened again! I saw a rock with a head!!!

I for sure didn't like it when that rock started moving...

I finally got to go on the boat when Dad got to the lake.

I was a bit embarrassed because my swimsuit didn't fit anymore.

But instead of feeling sorry for myself I taught my people how to play catch.

I stayed on the boat this time.

I threw the ball to Katherine and she caught it.

Then she threw it back to me and I caught it.

The lake was really high! Trees, cliffs and islands were under water!!!

Everyone got up before sunrise one morning.

I alerted them that there was something in my yard!

Three deer were eating my grass!!!

There were lots of birds at the cabin.

Mom kept feeding them this yummy nutty smelling stuff.

She wouldn't give me any???

I didn't like it when squirrels got on the deck and sat by our rock pile...

So I chased them off.

This silly squirrel thinks I can't see him hiding in my tree.

Mom really liked these little yellow birds.

I thought they were okay.

The only birds I don't like are the giant black ones that made LOTS of noise.

I never like it when Dad gets out of the boat by himself and Mom pulls him on a string. It seems kind of dangerous to me.

Check out my new swimsuit! I got it just in time for going to the Buffalo National River for a float trip....I loved my new suit! It fit perfectly.

These were our boats. I rode in the back of the big one.

Mom, Dad and Katherine saw a deer on the bank.

I wasn't too impressed. It was much smaller than the ones I saw in my yard.

I made sure everyone knew about the raccoon walking down the bank.

The water was really clear and warm. We had to go to deep spots to cool off.

Ick! Slimy things creep me out...

This was one hungry squirrel!

The sun finally set on our month at the cabin. Mom and Katherine read lots of books. Mom revised 5 picture book manuscripts and worked on one chapter book manuscript. We all did lots of eating, sleeping and swimming.

It was a great time!

I hope everyone has a great summer!

Are you doing anything special this summer???

A Rough Journey Can Lead to Something Wonderful

2011-06-11T19:44:00.000-05:00

I loaded up Ginger...

I loaded up Macy and Katherine and we hit the road. We knew the 10 11 hour drive would be grueling...and it didn't disappoint.

Macy made half a dozen potty breaks...

We came to a bridge out sign and had to make a long twisty detour.

Ginger gave us a smelly surprise in her carrier...YIKES! She's never done that before!!!

But the final destination was worth the rough ride...

This is my favorite spot in the United States! The deck on the back of our lake shack...But our journey was not quite finished....

Nature had left me a little surprise in the the cabin....EEK! A MOUSE! Since this was a girls only road trip, guess who had to deal with it? ME!

(I'm still quivering a bit.)

This is the other reason we come to Bull Shoals Lake....

It is breathtakingly beautiful! The water is crystal clear, even...

when the lake is a "little" high. Yep, that's a street light!

Macy doesn't care that she's swimming in the street...

She knows we'll get the boat out and head to deeper waters soon....

What's the moral of the story you ask? You tell me...
(I'm reading on the deck.)

Have a safe and happy weekend. (My Internet capabilities are kind of patchy here, but I'll give it my best shot to read your blogs. )

I Took the Dam Tour...What Happens in Vegas...part three of three

2011-06-07T20:59:00.000-05:00

Have ever wanted to do something, but been terrified to do it? That's how I felt about going on the (Hoover) Dam Tour. It's size is overwhelming. Then the dam guide tells you if you are claustrophobic, have heart problems or are pregnant you might want to not take the tour. Guess which one I am?

I really wanted to go...

I took a deep breath and focused on my Brilliant Husband and swore I could do it...

So we climbed in the elevator.

And went down...

down....

down...

deep inside the Hoover Dam.

We had to listen to a lot of dam jokes...

This is what the dam is made of...

Then we arrived...

I focused my breathing as we started walking into the dimly lit tunnels.

We went into a room above the turbines...

We could feel the floor vibrating from the flowing water....

Yep...there was water filtering in through the rock...

We walked into this MASSIVE room and looked at all the equipment.

It was a huge room!

It even had train tracks in it!

And my camera went dead. UGH!

We walked through lots of tunnels. We looked out of a vent in the dam.

It was pretty amazing!

We had to walk across a grate that was three stories deep!

Yep, I held my breath and my Brilliant Husband's sleeve and ZOOMED across it.

This was our first trip without our daughter...she's 15.

We had a great time and didn't worry about her, she was with some wonderful friends.

One last photo...

It's fake grass!

Lots of the casinos had it.

I guess it saves on water consumption.

Vegas was a lot of fun. We had a super time!

Thanks for stopping in and checking out my photos....

(I really did use restraint posting them. )

Do you have an travel plans for the summer?

Lenny Lee Fest

2011-06-03T02:23:00.001-05:00

Dear Blogger,

I know I sometimes complain when you're not working right, but today I'd like to thank you for something.

Last spring I was really sad. My cat Stripes died, our house was damaged in a storm, and I really missed being in Saint Louis. I stayed in bed for a week when Stripes died. I watched a lot of TV and read a lot of blogs. One of the blogs I "found" was the blog of a young man named Lenny Lee.

I noticed that Lenny spread his sunshine all over the blog world. He left wonderful comments that were so insightful...and he was only 10. I started following Lenny and he started following me. Every time I saw his sunshine, I knew he would say something wonderful and it would make me smile.

Lenny and I started sharing emails and sharing our lives...It was my privilege to organize a secret birthday surprise for Lenny. Just like me, everyone loves how he spreads sunshine throughout the blog world. They all wanted to join in to show Lenny how much he is loved.

Lenny (and his family) has become part of my family. We love him and he loves us. Even though we live states away from each other, but it's like we are best buds that can hang out anytime. (Thank you internet and telephone company.)

Lenny fills my heart with love. He's the best cp (critique partner) , dap, and cep (cooking & eating partner) ! I'm so grateful to be part of his life.

Blogger...none of this would have happened if it wasn't for you. Thank you!

Giant, enourmous, beastly HUGS,
Blom (AKA Sharon K Mayhew)

Two Things I Learned This Week...

2011-05-29T15:06:00.000-05:00

Macy and I couldn't comment all week...

It was awful!

I missed you guys so much.

Then a couple people told me to uncheck the gmail stay signed in box...

and BAM, I can comment again.
YAHOO!

If you know me very well you, know I've complained about the wind in Iowa....

It turns out the reason it's so windy here is...someone installed great big fans!

*********************

I'll be back on Thursday with Part Three of What Happens in Vegas...The Dam Tour.
If you missed Part One or Part Two you can pop over to them or scroll down.

I hope you are having a great holiday weekend. Don't forget to thank a veteran...

What Happens in Vegas...part two

2011-05-19T21:24:00.000-05:00

Please forgive me...I posted a ~~few~~ lot of pictures of things we saw on the strip and inside some of the casinos in Las Vegas. I did use quite a bit of restraint...I took over 300 pictures and am only posting a small sampling of them.

This spray of water looked like it was in a tube. It arched over a walkway. My Brilliant Husband stuck his finger in it to prove that he was right. It wasn't in a tube...and we got wet.

This butterfly house was inside a casino.

One thing that surprised me were the outdoor escalators and walkways over the street.

Isn't this a cool chandelier?

The Bellagio had a ferris wheel inside it!

I can't remember which casino had a merry-go-round in it.

Another cool chandelier!

Did anyone see the movie Big? Zoltar was at Circus Circus Casino.

This was an awesome shopping mall!

Quite a few of the casinos had fake grass!

There were lots of sparkly lights...

Sadly, the Sahara is closing it's doors according to a newspaper we saw when we were leaving for home. We thought it was awfully quiet in there...

We also saw the Brooklyn Bridge and a tug boat. The inside of the New York, New York Casino was full of "buildings" that looked like brownstones and apartments...It was very cool!

We didn't make it to this casino, but it looked really fun...

Thanks for stopping in and checking out part two of our 25th anniversary trip. If you missed part one you can check it out here. I'll be posting part three on Monday. (My sister is coming for a long weekend, so I won't be posting on Sunday night...)

What is the most interesting place you have been to on holiday?

What Happens in Vegas...part one

2011-05-17T23:30:00.000-05:00

Sorry I was absent from Blogland last week.

It was my Brilliant Husband's and my 25th anniversary.

We took a four day weekend and went to Las Vegas...alone.

This was the view of the Strip from our room...

This was looking the other direction...Check out those beautiful mountains!

Our lovely room at the Mirage...

Our bathroom...

Isn't this great carpet...(Yeah, I know photographing the carpet is strange.)

Twenty-five years is a long time to stay together...

But a trip to Vegas is a nice reward for being a loving girlfriend for two years and a devoted wife for 25 years.

I know you are all worried that I lost Katherine's college money...but we I didn't.

I played around $5 in slots at about 12 casinos... (I used a lot of self-control!)

We went to Cirque Du Soleil The Beatles LOVE show...It was super!

Have you been to Las Vegas? What did you think???

Possession Bookmark Winners...

2011-05-09T22:12:00.000-05:00

The winners are:

Comment number 16: LynNerd
Comment number 19: Jeff King
Comment number 17: Beth Pollock
Comment number 5: Story Queen... Shelley Thomas Moore

Please email me at sharonkmayhew at gmail dot com with your name and address.

The Gift...

2011-05-08T01:12:00.000-05:00

I'd like to wish each of you a Happy Mother's Day.

About 17 years ago my Brilliant Husband and I decided we wanted to be parents. Becoming a parent wasn't as easy as it sounds... It took us several years of trying, along with a wonderful fertility doctor before we finally got pregnant.

Every year has been a blessing. Every phase of her life has brought us so much joy.

Now my baby is fifteen. I still cherish every moment I get to spend with her. It makes my heart ache when I think of her going off to college in three years.

Being a parent is a gift. Not everyone gets that gift, so if you are lucky enough to be a parent...treasure your babies. Show them you love them. Tell them you love them. Make sure they know that you are blessed because you had them.

Do you have a special memory with your kids or with your mom? Care to share???

Kudos Elana....Possession is Awesome!

2011-05-05T17:50:00.000-05:00

If you liked the Uglies Series, your going to LOVE Possession! You might be wondering how I can say this, considering Elana Johnson's book Possession won't be released until June 7th... Well, I was one of the lucky people who won an ARC (Advanced Reviewer Copy) from Simon and Schuster. I was beside myself with excitement when it arrived in the mail. As I finished reading it another surprise arrived in the mail...6 bookmarks! I'll be giving away four of them to four commenters on this post. (Sorry, I had to keep one and give one to my YA.) I'll announce the winners on Sunday.

*******

POSSESSION by Elana Johnson

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

****

My Review...

Possession is a young adult dystopian novel. Elana does an awesome job creating this new world! I fell in love with the characters and desperately more of them when the book ends. We'll have to pay attention to Elana's blog to see if and when we'll get a sneak peak at future books.

The three main characters are Vi, Zenn and Jag. Zenn is Vi's boyfriend and she's willing to break the rules to see him.

Vi has a lot of baggage which causes her to not trust many people. She's been hurt on more than one occasion.

When Vi and Jag meet up there is some chemistry followed by a LOT of action. Vi and Jag have special skills that draw them together in a battle against the thinkers who seem to decide what is best for everyone. There are lots of twists and turns and surprises in this book.

Elana has a knack for world building and I can't wait for everyone to read Possession. I'm giving it five stars on Goodreads! I hope you'll put it on your TBR (to be read) List. My only complaint about the book was... it ended! I could have read another 400 pages.

****

For more information about Possession follow the links:
Add Possession to your Goodreads list.
Visit the official Possession website for ordering & ARC information.
Click here for giveaways and contests.

I know you have to be excited about one of us...Elana...publishing such an awesome book. The Uglies and the Handmaid's Tale are the only dystopian novels I had read up until Possession. I really like them.

What about you? What dytopian novels have you read?

What's Most Important To You???

2011-05-01T05:35:00.000-05:00

First, I have to make an apology to my Brilliant Husband of almost 25 years. (Hangs head in shame.) During the A-Z Challenge, I honored him with my "D" post. I called him dependable, determined, diligent and devoted. To my surprise all he saw was that he got a "D." So I'd like amend his letter grade to an "A." My Brilliant Hubby is awesome, attentive, adventurous, affectionate, ambitious, and appreciative. (Hopefully, this will get me out of the doghouse.)

What is the most important trait you want to see in a friend? What about in your children's friends? Or if you are a cat, your playmates?

What about when you were little, what was the most important quality for a friend to have then?

Thanks to all my old and new lovely bloggy friends for listening to me talking about friendship for the whole month of April!

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "Z" (Z end...almost)

2011-04-30T04:07:00.001-05:00

Today is the final day of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~Z~

You should have all kinds of friends in your life. But it's important to have a few friends that are a bit ZANY. They're the ones you can be silly with. The ones you can stay up all night chatting with. They like to play board games. They'll dress up at Halloween or if you have a Wig and Wine party for New Year's Eve. Yep, everyone should have a ZANY friend. If you don't have one, perhaps you are the ZANY friend in your circle of friends and that's a good thing. You bring smiles to your friends.

Today is the last day of the A-Z Challenge. If you participated in it, how did you do? Did you come up with a word or topic for each day? Did you have fun? Are you going to keep blogging everyday? YIKES! I'm going back to my regular schedule of posting (usually) on Sundays and Thursdays.

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "Y"

2011-04-29T04:30:00.001-05:00

Say YES to your brilliant husband (in my case)....

You might find your YES brings out a whole new side of your personality!

Riding on the back of a bike was not something I ever expected to love, but, man, I do!

Say YES to going to conferences and making new friends!

This part of The WAD at Chautauqua in 2008 with Peter Jacobi and Mary Cassanova.

Today is day 25 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~Y~

Saying YES to friendship will make you a happier, healthier person. Saying YES when a friend invites you to lunch will make your day brighter. Saying YES on facebook when that kid from 3rd grade that you used to climb on the monkey bars with sends you a friend request, will put a smile on their face and maybe yours. Saying YES to stretching yourself as a writer by putting yourself out there, going to conferences, getting critique partners will all make you a better writer. Saying YES to blogging will increase the number of writers you can rely on for honest input. Saying YES to blogging has made me a happier person. I'm so grateful to the people I've "blogmet" and become friends with.

I hope each of you get a YES that makes you happy, very soon!

What YES would make you happy today?

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "X"

2011-04-28T04:33:00.002-05:00

Today is day 24 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~X~

I hope you noticed that all of my friendship posts this month have been qualities you might want to find in a friend or a friend might want to find in you. Today will be a little bit different...(I'd insert a dark end of the world kind of music clip...if I had one for you).

You do not want to have a friend that has Xenophobia. They would not be good travel companions. They wouldn't want to experience the local culture. They would not want to go on adventures with you. They might not want to leave the hotel room, if you could get them to leave their house. They might not want to fly, or take train or a bus. They might be scared to try strange new foods...

I hope you don't have Xenophobia! I can't imagine how hard it would be to cope with everyday life. If you do have it, (remember I'm not a doctor) you probably should talk to your doctor about it and see how they can help you. The world is a wonderful place, full of wonderful people who are willing to share themselves and their lives with you. Having a good friend may be the start to a better life. (((Hugs to everyone!))) Here is a link to more information on Xenophobia.

If you are doing the A-Z Challenge, what X word did you do? If you are not doing the A-Z Challenge, do you have another X word that either describes a quality you want in a friend or don't want in a friend?

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "W"

2011-04-27T05:48:00.002-05:00

(A good friend is like being wrapped in the warm blanket, snuggled up in your favorite chair.)

Today is day 23 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

-W-

Warmth...we all crave it. We need to feel wanted inside. We need to feel loved. We want our hearts to feel full. When our friends have success many of us have a warm feeling in our hearts. No matter what the success. It could be an upcoming book to be released. (waves Elana) It could be they signed with an agent. (waves Buffy) It could be they are going to have a much wanted baby. (waves Candace) But no matter what the news, we feel waves of warmth fill our hearts because we know they are happy. It's also nice to know is that one day they will have that same warm feeling when we have an exciting piece of news to share with them.

Warmth...it's not a state of body temperature...it's a state of the heart.

Have any of your friends given you a reason to be full of warmth lately? BTW, do any of you have any other "w" words for me?

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "V"

2011-04-26T05:20:00.003-05:00

(Do you value the little things in life?)

Today is day 22 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~V~

When we think of the word value we think of money...are we getting our money's worth? It's the same with our friends. Do we value them? Do they value us? You can tell by the way they treat you if you are a valued friend. You can also tell by the way you treat them if you value them. Do you cancel on them? Do you only call when you need something? Do you feel like you "have to" see them? If you answered yes, then those people are not valued friends...If you want to be a valued friend, think about your relationship with that person. How can you make it stronger? What's it lacking? There are different kinds of friends...some aren't meant to last forever. If this person is one whom you would like to have a friendship with for a long time, then you have to put the work in and show them that you can be that valued friend they are looking for.

What is the longest friendship you have had? or still have?

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "U"

2011-04-25T05:47:00.001-05:00

(Is there any friendship more unselfish than the one you have with your pet?)

Today is day 21 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~U~

I hit on this before when we were talking about being giving or generous, but being unselfish really shows the quality of a person's character. Being around a person who needs to be the center of attention can wear you out. Not to mention it gets a bit boring. When a friend is going through a hard time, often they just need someone to listen to them. They don't need to hear about when you had a hard time too. Sometimes they do, but first they need to be heard. It gets tiresome if you and a friend get in a pattern of you always doing favors for them, but they never offer to do or are able to do a favor in return. It feels very lopsided. I'm not saying you can't ask your friends for help...I'm just saying you have to be willing to help in return. An unselfish friend is a fair friend. The two of you are equal partners in the friendship. Imagine if you gave your friend a wonderful Christmas (or whatever holiday is special to you) present every year and that friend never acknowledge that you gave her or him a gift, let alone bothered to even send you a card. However, they expected you to give one to them...it seems like eventually you would grow to resent that friendship or lack thereof. Am I right? You have to be unselfish and vested in your friends so that they can be unselfish and vested in you.

Do you have any other "U" words for me? This was a hard one!

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "T"

2011-04-23T05:12:00.002-05:00

(You can TRUST that if I'm hosting a party, there will be a chocolate fountain!)

Today is day 20 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~T~

Sometimes a friend will disappoint you. Perhaps you've known this friend since you were a kid and all of a sudden you realize they aren't trustworthy. They do a few little things, perhaps you catch them in a couple lies. Then you realize they've stolen some money from you, but you figure they must have really needed it. You love them after all. You've known them since you were teenagers. You would've given it to them if they had asked. But then they do something big, something really big and you don't think you'll ever be able to trust them again. Trust is a hard thing to earn back once you've lost it. Even if you want to give it back to that person, you are still hesitant... It may take years for them to prove themselves to you. Being trustworthy is something that should never be taken for granted no matter how long you've been friends... Don't deceive your friends. You could lose that trust forever!

I don't like it when people make jokes at the expense of others. I don't mind blond jokes because I'm blond. But it really bothers me when people show that they are intolerant of other groups based on some difference they have. Sometimes people use racial slurs without even thinking about it. It really upsets me when people do that. Again, I'm far from perfect. I make mistakes, but I try very hard not to stereotype people based on their skin color, age, sex, sexual orientation, height, religion, race or intellect. I hope, really really hope, that I decide to like a person or dislike a person based on the quality of their character...I hope I'm a tolerant person.

Being thoughtful is another way you can show you are a good friend. Occasionally, calling a friend out of the blue is a way to be thoughtful. Dropping them a note in the mail in another way. One of our old neighbors brought dinner over to us a couple times when she had seen us working out in the yard all weekend. She was soooo thoughtful! Even little gestures to strangers can indicate if you are thoughtful. Opening the door for someone, saying bless you to a stranger, picking up something when a stranger drops it and offering a spot in line when the person behind you had one item and you have 50 are all ways to be thoughtful. Being thoughtful to friends and strangers will make your heart feel full.

I hope your heart feels full today...

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "S"

2011-04-22T05:47:00.001-05:00

(Are you self-confident about your salad?)

Today is day 19 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~S~

Can you tell when someone is sincere or when they are two faced? Being sincere is an important quality in a friend. It's also an important quality in a critique partner or a Beta reader. You need your friends to be straight-up with you. You want people around you that are willing to share their hearts so that you will be willing to share your heart with them. Have you had a friend that you felt like you were always sharing/giving to them and they never offered the same support in return. (No names please!) It gets tiresome after a while. Being self-confident is important too. Having a friend who knows that she a valued human and has skilled is a plus. It will give her the edge. If you don't have self-confidence, hopefully hanging out with him or her will teach you how "act" like you do have self-confidence. Often it's what people see on the outside is what they believe to be true. You could be a gushing pile of nerves inside, but if you have a great "stage" presence no one will ever know. It's also nice to have friends who have self-respect and self-control. Those two things sometimes go hand in hand....

I hope you have lots of sincere friends to share your life with and super critique partners that show you respect by sharing their sincere critiques of your work, so you can improve your manuscripts. (And maybe a silly friend to eat a super salad with.)

Do you have another "S" word to share with me?

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "R"

2011-04-21T05:07:00.001-05:00

(Respecting the past will bring us a brighter future...)

Today is day 18 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~R~

To get respect you have to give respect. It's not a given that everyone deserves respect. Sometimes adults will say to teens that they are being disrespectful and that they should show them respect because they are an adult. NOT TRUE! You deserve respect based on your words and your actions. Age does not automatically mean you deserve respect. Being an honorable human, no matter what age you are entitles you to respect. (You can boo me if you want....but I believe this to be true.) I want friends that deserve respect...honorable people, trustworthy people...people I totally trust. Those are the people who deserve all of my respect.

Good friends are reliable and responsible. If they say they are going to critique your ms in a certain amount of time...they will. If they know it's going to take them longer than expected they'll let you know that too. If they say they'll check on your cat while you are out of town...you know they'll not only feed her and water her...they will hunt her down, drag her out from under your bed and give her a good petting.

I want my friends to be respected, reliable and responsible... What about you?

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "Q"

2011-04-20T05:14:00.001-05:00

(There's nothing better than a quick turn around on a critique!)

Today's day 17 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~Q~

I like friends who are quick on their feet...LOL, I don't mean they can run faster than me. I mean they're quick with comebacks. I usually come up with a good comeback a couple days later. LOL...

Friends who come to your aid quickly are a big plus. You know those friends...The ones you know you can count on in a bind. Your go-to people! They are QUICK to help you. Be it an edit, a query, pet sitting, babysitting or checking that your basement didn't flood while you were out of town for the weekend. Those people are your quick go-to friends....Everyone should have a handful of them!

Quiet friends are great too. There are some people you can just hang out with. You don't have to be doing anything "fun." You can sit on the porch and read or chat. You can go for a walk in the park. You can long deep discussions with them about the meaning of life or about if faeries really do exist. Quiet friends are comfortable friends....You can go to their houses and sleep as late as you want.

There are so many different kinds of friends. I hope you have quick and quiet friends too.

Can you think of any more "Q" qualities that you'd like to see in a friend?

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "P"

2011-04-19T05:21:00.001-05:00

Do you have a special place that makes you feel especially peaceful?

Or passionate and creative? This is my spot...

Today is day 16 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~P~

Wow, there are a lot of words that start with "P" that describe qualities I would like in my friends! It's important that they have a positive attitude. I don't always have one and sometimes I need someone to help remind me to see the brighter side of things. Being patient is another great quality in a friend. Have you ever been somewhere and your friend gets in a huff because they have to wait for something. Give me a break! Life's too short to get excited about that kind of stuff. On that same note, I do like people that are punctual....you should at least try to be on time. I know stuff happens and it's no big deal when it does, but be polite and give your friends a call if you are running late. I'm all about being polite. In public or in private I believe in having good manners...and yes, I say excuse me when I burp even if no one is in the room. Have you ever had a friend that had a peaceful demeanor? Calmness just oozed out of them...I think that's a wonderful quality too. I love a good time, but there is something to be said about having a friend that you can just hang out with and have no pressure to have meaningful conversation or to be "on." I also like to have friends that are passionate about their beliefs....If they are passionate about their beliefs they are going to be passionate about their friendship, which means they won't let you down. Whether you like quiet friends or rowdy friends, friends that persevere through good times and bad are the best!

Do you have a friend you want to give a shout out to? They may never see this post, but it will make you feel all warm and fuzzy for saying how much you appreciate them in public.

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "O"

2011-04-18T04:38:00.002-05:00

" SIT"

" LAY DOWN"

"GO TO SLEEP"

It's day 15 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

Obedience is a great quality in a ~~friend~~ , I mean a dog. I love how Macy almost always does as she's told, but that's not really a quality you want in a friend. Is it? You want your friends to be independent thinkers and to question you at times.

My real word for today is "Optimist." Having a friend who is optimistic is so important. They will help you when you are down on yourself for what ever reason. They will pump you up. They'll encourage you to see the good in the last rejection letter you got. Optimistic friends know that every rejection is one step closer to an acceptance. Am I right guys??? (Everyone shouts, Yes, Sharon!)

When has an optimistic friend gotten you through a hard time?

My good friend Tess Hilmo (whose book With A Name Like Love is coming out soon) really helped me when I moved. She told me, "You can do this, Sharon." It was a simple sentence, but I fall back on it all of time and I may have said it to some of you when you were down or struggling. It's a powerful sentence and it continues to get me through.... (hugs to Tess!)

~O~

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "N"

2011-04-16T03:47:00.001-05:00

(Nothing says Nice like a friend bringing you a bouquet of fresh flowers!)

It's day 14 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~N~

I know the word "nice" is over used, but I adore the word. It's a warm word. If I describe someone as nice it's a compliment. It means they do kind things, they are never offensive, they are the kind of people I like to hang out with. When I die I hope that people will say she was a nice person and she wrote lovely stories. I think that's what I am aiming for in life...

Do you want your friends to call you "nice?"

Do you have a friend who notices the little details about you that no one else notices? Perhaps they notice when your house isn't as tidy as normal and it makes them realize you might need someone to talk to. Perhaps they notice you aren't going to the gym anymore and they stop by your house to see what's wrong. Or perhaps you stop blogging or facebooking or returning emails and they get worried about you and call you. Having a friend who notices when something is wrong is a sign that they are a real friend.

I hope you have friends that notice when you really need them.

I kind of struggled with the letter "N."

Can you help me think of any other qualities, in a friend, that start with "n?"

Have an awesome weekend!!!!

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "M" and a SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Reminder

2011-04-15T05:11:00.015-05:00

(There are only a few times in life that I will lose my manners. Being chased by hornets will cause a whole different side of me to emerge...It's not pretty either.)

It's day 13 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~M~

Call me old fashioned, but I want a friend that has manners. If you are going to be late, you call and say I'm running late. If you're invited to a function, you RSVP whether it's on the invitation or not. I'm not perfect by any means, but I try to behave like a "good" grown up when I'm around other people's kids and I hope for that same respect around my kiddo. I like friends who say please and thank you...and don't sag. It doesn't bother me when I see your bra strap, but when I can see your underwear it really bothers me, especially if you aren't bent over trying to fix my sink. I like friends who wait until 3/4 of the table is served when we go out to dinner. Call me old school and when a lady gets up from the table, I think it's lovely when the men get up too. I really like to see people everywhere displaying good manners. Holding doors for people in shops, offering to help someone if they can't reach an item on a shelf or just having polite chit chat with someone who is serving you at a restaurant or checking you out at Target are all ways to show you have good manners. I think how you interact with people, all people, shows what type of friend you might be.

What good manners do you like to see people display? Do you have any other "M" words for me?

Today, Friday, April 15th is the final day to cast your vote in Round 2 of the 2011 SCBWI Crystal Kite. If you are an SCBWI member and haven't voted please hop over and vote. (Hilary Wagner's book Nightshade City is up for the award in one region!)

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "L"

2011-04-14T04:02:00.001-05:00

(Macy is a loving loyal friend!)

Today is day 12 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~L~

True friends are loyal. They stand with you through thick and thin. They pick you up when you are down. They encourage you when you think your manuscript stinks. They give you a little shove when they see you faltering. Loyal friends last a lifetime.

You are supposed to love your family. You are related to them, so it's a given that you love them. (It doesn't always work out that way, but most of the time it does.)

You get to decide about the other people in your lives....your friends. There are some people you just fall in love with the moment you meet them. You know the friends I'm talking about. The ones you click with. The ones you have an instant connection with. You can't put your finger on it, but you love them from the moment you meet them. Then there are friends that you grow to love...Either way, love is a wonderful benefit of a great friendship.

What other "L" words describe your good friends?

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "K"

2011-04-13T04:08:00.001-05:00

(My last birthday was joyful, thanks to the kindness of my bloggy friends.)

It's day 11 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~K~

Kindness is something that comes naturally to some people. I adore people who care deeply for others. People who are kind are a gift...they do things for others for no other reason than to help someone out. It really bothers me when people appear to be kind, but they are doing things for ulterior motives....once I catch you doing that, it's hard for me to trust you....

I don't usually enjoy my birthday. I've never seen it as a reason to celebrate...I'm just getting older and getting more wrinkles. We usually go out for dinner, but that's it. Anyway, I had the pleasure helping organize a surprise birthday wish for a fellow blogger last year. Then he asked one of my writing buddies when my birthday was and she told him. Well, he was so excited about my birthday, that I had to be excited too. His kindness and enthusiasm made me enjoy my birthday. Most of you know him already and you know how kind he is. Lenny Lee is one of the kindest and wisest bloggers out there and he's 11 years old. Thank you Lenny for being so kind to me...and being my cp! Thanks to Lenny's kindness and the kindness of all my bloggy and facebook friends I will celebrate my birthday from now on. (((HUGS))) to everyone!

Has anyone in the blogging world surprised you with their kindness? Can you think of any other "K" words that describe a good friend?

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "J"

2011-04-12T04:50:00.001-05:00

Every time this photo pops up on my screen saver I feel joyful. Do you see those little windows? The WAD met there and critiqued our manuscripts when we were at Chautauqua at the Highlights Summer Workshop in 2008. It was a special time...You may already know some of the WAD. Amy Allgeyer Cook, Tess Hilmo and Susan Fields all blog. Diana Calio, Kim Sebastian, and Rhonda Roberts don't blog, but you might have seen their names in Highlights. Heidi Schmidt doesn't blog either, she has one picture book and is an AMAZING artist...you can check out her flicker page.

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Today's day 10 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~J~

Friends bring you JOY! You bring them JOY, too! Some friends fill your heart with joy...you feel full when you are around them. I hope you have lots of friends like that.

Do you have a joyful memory that you'd like to share? Can you think of any other "J" words that describe a characteristic in a friend?

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "I"

2011-04-11T04:22:00.001-05:00

(Do you ever let your imagination go wild? )

Today is day 9 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~I~

Who would have thought a friend with an imagination would be a requirement??? But it is. I like to be around creative people. What about you? I think friends that are imaginative give you the freedom to be silly together, and that's a must in my book. On a more serious note, having integrity is a deal breaker for me. Have you ever seen someone keep extra change at a restaurant or a shop? It turns my stomach...no integrity! Or heard someone lauhing as they left a shop about not paying for something? Deal Breaker! I worked in fast food in college. People would eat almost a whole sandwich and then complain and want their money back. Yeah, not my type of person.

I really struggled with coming up with more "I" words. Can you help me come up with some more?

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "H"

2011-04-09T16:19:00.000-05:00

(Susan Fields has all the qualities you could want in a friend, plus she's an awesome writer!)

Today is day 8 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~H~

Honesty is so important in a friendship. If you can't trust a friend, you can' really call them friend. Once trust is lost due to deception, it is really hard to earn it back. Having happy friends makes you happier. Everyone gets down and having friends to lift you back up is a blessing. I've been given that gift many times. Humility is an important quality too. Have ever been at a party and there's been someone who thought the party was for them...and it wasn't. They seemed to need to be the center of attention no matter what the occasion. They seem to think they are the best at everything. Yeah, not my kind of friend. I like my friends to be a bit more humble than that. Susan has all these qualities and more...I realized I haven't seen her since her birthday last August and it made me a bit sad. For those of you who don't know, we used to live down the street from each other and walk our dogs together. I hope you'll hop over and say "hi" to Susan.

Do you have a special friend you want to give a shout out to today? What "H" qualities do they have?

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "G"

2011-04-08T14:05:00.000-05:00

("Please be generous and give away some of this stuff. I'm tired of walking around it!")

I'm on day 7 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).
~G~

A generous friend is one who is willing to give of their heart, their time and, yes, their stuff for the benefit of others. I love friends who believe in a cause passionately. I try and support those friends beliefs. I'm always grateful when a friend invites me to walk in an event promoting one of their causes. (*waves Susie and Holly*)

Have you been blessed with the opportunity to be generous to a friends passion? Do you have any other "G" words that describe a good friend?

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "F"

2011-04-07T13:25:00.000-05:00

(I love friends who like to have fun...like going on a crocodile cruise in Costa Rica with me.)

(Thankfully, no one thought it would be fun to thrown me overboard.)

I'd like to thank Arlee Bird for organizing the A-Z Challenge! I've chosen a topic for the entire month. Since I write for younger children and we are doing the ABC's I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a photo addiction).

~F~

Have you ever had a friend who didn't want to do anything you wanted to do? Not so much fun, huh? Or a friend who is always complaining?? I like friends who are fun to be with. I think it's important that you like to do fun things together...it's great when they make you stretch yourself. (Some of you might remember my post about singing at karaoke bar with some friends.) Some other qualities I think are important are that friends are faithful...through good times and bad. They are fair to everyone. I wouldn't want a friend that treated me really well, but treated someone else poorly. I like being around people who laugh and smile....being happy is important for your mental health, so having a friend who is funny is a bonus.

What "F" words describe your friends??? (Keep it clean people! I'll delete you if you're naughty.)

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "E"

2011-04-06T11:28:00.000-05:00

(Yep, it's me! We were celebrating my dear friend Marina's birthday, princess style.)

I'd like to thank Arlee Bird for organizing the A-Z Challenge! This is my first time to do it...I have chosen a topic for the entire month. Since I write for younger children and we are doing the ABC's I thought I would do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a little bit of a photo addiction).

~E~

When selecting friends it's important to choose ones that compliment your personality...or make up for your shortfalls. For me, it's especially important to have friends that are easy-going. I tend to be rather prim and proper, when I'm not on the Harley. I am a heavy duty worrier. Most of you already know that about me. So, for me having an easy-going friend is very important. Hopefully, one day some of my princess friends who are easy-going will rub off on me.

What E word characteristic is important in a friend to you?