Writers' Notebooks and Welcome

If you're like me, you love writing notebooks and journals. Like pens, I have notebooks sprinkled all over my house. I keep one in my purse and another in my car. I have several different notebooks tucked in tote bags for when I attend writing events. Never know when an idea might strike. Some journals are neatly filled in; others have ideas jotted down. Some--I have no idea what I meant to write--but I hope to figure it out eventually.

Last week I was thrilled when I received a Celtic journal in the mail. It's exactly like the one at the left, from Peter Pauper Press (say that three times--dare you!).

I won this elegant journal over on Lisa Ricard Claro's "Writing in the Buff" blog a couple weeks ago. Thank you, Lisa!

What I really like about my new journal, besides being free, is its "intricate knotwork and serpentine animal forms evoking the rich Celtic legacy." Just in time for St. Patrick's Day.

I visited the Peter Pauper Press site today to check out their journals. The one I have is now out of stock and won't be available until mid May. Bummer!

Today I also received my Real Simple Daily Finds e-mail. Today's finds are ten noteworthy notebooks. I found a few that I really like. Most are affordable, others are expensive--at least for me. Included among the journals is a "My Quotable Kid" journal to record funny things that pop out of kids' mouths. How fun is that?

So, if you're looking for a journal to record your thoughts and ideas, jot down dialogue you don't want to forget, or spark creativity and make you feel special, check out the Peter Pauper Press site or Real Simple Daily finds.

Today I also want to welcome my newest follower: MILO JAMES FOWLER.

Thanks for signing up as a follower, Milo. Hope you enjoy the ride. To my other followers and regular visitors, if you get a chance, check out Milo's blog, in medias res.

Real Simple's Third Annual Life's Lesson Essay Contest

Here's a contest from Real Simple. I've subscribed to their e-zine for about a year, and they always have something new and interesting. This essay contest appeared in their June 2 issue. The photo is also from Real Simple.

They want contestants to finish this sentence: “I never thought I’d. . .”

From their guidelines: "Have you ever taken a huge, surprising risk? Did you climb a mountain? Go back to school? Get married (again)? Tell us about it: Enter Real Simple’s Third-Annual Life Lessons Essay Contest and you could have your essay published in Real Simple; win round-trip tickets for two to New York City, hotel accommodations for two nights, tickets to a Broadway play, and a lunch with Real Simple editors; and receive a prize of $3,000.

"To enter, send your typed, double-spaced submission (1,500 words maximum, preferably in a Microsoft Word document) to lifelessons@realsimple.com. Contest begins at 12:01 A.M. on June 1, 2010, and runs through 11:59 P.M. on September 24, 2010. Open to legal residents of the United States age 19 or older at time of entry. Void where prohibited by law. (Entries will not be returned.)"

Here are complete guidelines. Good luck!

Real Simple Life Lessons Essay Contest for Grown-ups

Today's forecast for St. Peters, MO: Mostly sunny, high 89 degrees

After our lively discussion yesterday, it's time to write. Here's a no-entry fee essay contest from Real Simple magazine that I found in the Poets & Writers newsletter.

No entry fee, a prize of $3,000 and publication in Real Simple for a personal essay on: “When did you realize that you had become a grown-up?”

The winner will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to meet with the editors. Submit an essay of up to 1,500 words by September 7. No entry fee.
Visit the Web site for complete guidelines.
Real Simple Life Lessons Essay Contest 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
E-mail address: lifelessons@realsimple.com

POST SCRIPT: Two very savvy writers contacted me and advised that according to the contest rules, by entering you give up all rights to your essay--even if you do not win. So, please read the guidelines carefully! Thanks to Linda and Becky for bringing this to my attention.