* OUR DEAR FRIEND, CLAUDiA...AKA BOOKiE *

This is kind of a long blog post, but please don't glance at it and think you don't have the time to read it.

Many of my readers have certainly come across a dear friend's blog, Claudia's Page: http://claudiapage-bookie.blogspot.com/

Claudia and I "met" through blogging probably in 2010. That was during the height of my blogging life, as it was for many others. We connected easily, having the same passion for writing and reading, tea cups and tea pots, being outside on the deck on beautiful days, plants and flowers... We sent each other snail mail from time to time and also little gifts. Nothing that cost more than a few dollars, but something special we knew the other would enjoy.

Somehow over the years, though, many of us also began writing fewer and fewer posts. I'm certainly guilty of that. For some reason I lost my gusto for it. Maybe finishing my memoir had something to do with it, but I also know the hard times I was going through for quite some time had a lot to do with it, too. I shared some of my troubles with Claudia via emails and she was always so supportive and encouraging.

(Some left blogging for the ease of quick interactions on Facebook...something I still do not care for, but feel compelled to do from time to time. I haven't let it take over my life, though, by any stretch of the imagination.)

I was thrilled in 2010 when she and I both had stories accepted in an anthology, Patchwork Path: Treasure Box. Here's the link to one of my blog posts concerning that: http://beckypovich.blogspot.com/2010/12/anthologies-friends-book-store-food.html

Claudia on left. Becky on right.

Claudia and I met in person, quite by accident, during Christmas time in 2014. I was working at Thistle & Clover on Main Street in old St. Charles, Mo. (one of Claudia's favorite areas!) When I got off work that evening, Ron met me for dinner at a great restaurant just down the road. We ate and talked and during our dinner, I saw a woman walk by who I thought looked a bit familiar, but I wasn't sure from where. I hardly remember names, but I almost never forget a face. Maybe she was a store customer, maybe I knew her from writers' meetings, etc. So, when she walked back toward our table, we looked at each other and she said to me, "Is your name Becky?" And I stood up and immediately said, "Claudia! Yes, it's me!" We hugged and talked and Ron sat there looking at us like we were nuts. We recognized each other just from various photos we'd seen of each other...She knew I lived in the general vicinity, but she and her DH (dear husband) had driven from near Joplin, Missouri to be there....which is quite a LONG way. Unfortunately they had to leave to visit some other people, so we only talked for a couple of minutes. Ron took a couple of pictures of us...and can you believe this is the best of the two?? Even though the coloring and focus is bad...Claudia looked so cute, and I looked....well, just awful. LOL

So, why am I writing about Claudia today? I'm writing a post about Claudia today because of her blog post of May 27th that I just came across yesterday. What she wrote hasn't left my mind for one second in these almost 24 hours. Claudia has cancer. And it doesn't sound good. I am stunned. I am in shock. This can't be happening to such a sweet woman.

Here is a portion of her post: "...this week, my world crashed. I got very sick and had to go to the hospital. I am home again but not for long. I have cancer, one of the worst with no hope. Now my time must be spent tending to wrapping up a life. If you are a writer, you know that means among other things hundreds of folders for research, new ideas, and manuscripts! I never knew this office was SO full of paper!"

Whether you know Claudia or not, please visit her blog and read some of her beautiful posts and see the lovely photographs she took during road trips she and DH went on. Leave a comment, or send an email to the address she gave. And maybe become her new follower...I would love to see her finally hit the 100 mark!

If you believe in prayer...please say a ton of them for her. If not, please send well wishes, think healing thoughts, or anything else you would like to do.



"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one." - C.S. Lewis


"A good friend is a connection to life...a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world." -- Lois Wyse

* A CHICKEN SOUP SURPRISE *

Good morning, everyone! While browsing around Amazon just now, I came across something that really caught my eye and gave me a thrill.

Are you familiar with Amazon's Author Page? If you like a certain author and you're checking out his/her books and book reviews, etc. on Amazon, and if they've set up their own info page, you can click on their link and read more about them. Here is mine: http://www.amazon.com/Becky-Lewellen-Povich/e/B00GMWOOES/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

No, reading my page did not give me a thrill...but what did is this...Author Amy Newmark, of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame and fortune...her author page includes the following information: http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Newmark/e/B005EN4K4K/ref=ntt_aut_sim_2_1

You can reach Amy with any questions or comments through webmaster@chickensoupforthesoul.com and you can follow her on Twitter @amynewmark.

P.execute('ap-bootstrap-favorites', function() { P.load.js("/gp/profile/widgets/assets/pr_favoriCustomers Also Bought Items By

* See that name on the left column...down at the end? Yep, that's me!! I'm listed as one of the authors of "customers also bought items by..."

Jack Canfield	Marty Becker
Jaye Lewis	Karen E. Rigley
Susan M. Heim	Karen R. Kilby
Jeffrey Brown	Theresa Anderson
Pamela D. Will...	Yvonne Desousa
Barbara Simpso...	Elaine Masters
Suzanne Baginskie	Annmarie B. Tait
Becky Lewellen...	Jennifer Quasha

* That is REALLY exciting to me! It may not mean very much to anyone else, but just seeing my name, included on her page...Yippy! *

 

It is cloudy, dreary, and rainy outside...but inside...I'm dancing on air and basking in just plain old happiness!

How is YOUR day going? I hope it's a happy one!

* CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL - CALL OUTS FOR NEW STORIES *

I just received an e-mail from the lovely editors at Chicken Soup for the Soul, asking for stories for a new, upcoming anthology named, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Curvy & Confident - 101 Stories about Loving Yourself and Your Body. 

This sounds like a book that's perfect for us women of a "certain age" and I'm definitely going to begin working on a submission for it. The deadline is June 30, 2016.

After reading the email, I was motivated to check out the Chicken Soup for the Soul website and see if they had other call outs going on...and they sure do! Following are the current ones, with various deadlines. Be sure to check them out!

Angels & Miracles   
Best Mom Ever!       
Blended Families
Dreams and Synchronicities
Parent to Parent
Stories about Cats
Stories about Dogs
Stories about Teachers & Teaching
The Joy of Christmas
        AND
The Spirit of Canada (for Canadian entries only)
College Student Stories (for current students up to age 24)


Here's the link to the Call Out page: http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics. They even give suggestions about what to write about.

As always, I encourage everyone to submit stories, even if you've never done any writing at all. Just take your time and write from your heart. If your story doesn't get chosen, you haven't lost any money, because there is no submission fee...but if your story IS chosen... "If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story and you will retain the right to resell it or self-publish it." Pretty neat, huh?!

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE AND PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHERE YOU SUBMITTED YOUR STORIES!



"The role of the writer is not to say what we can all say but what we are unable to say." - Anaïs Nin (1903-1977) 

* CARRIE ANN LAHAIN - AUTHOR, READER, REVIEWER *

Looking for a good book to read? Or maybe to add to your already huge stack of "to be read" books? Keep reading and you'll find out where to read tons of reviews that might help you decide.

I don't remember how I found Carrie Ann Lahain (you know, the usual web searching, blog hopping, etc. and then I have no idea how I got there?) I love her statement at the top of her site: Because Good Writers Read!

Carrie is both a writer, a voracious reader, and sometimes gives book reviews. I'm very grateful that she agreed to read my memoir, From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More. Her review is posted on Amazon, other websites, and it's highlighted today on her website here:

One of the things I really enjoyed about her review was how she "got it", how she grasped what I wrote about my relationships with my mother and my oldest sister.

Carrie stated she's slowing down on review request acceptances because she has SO many already, but you can check out her website and read the requirements.

Thank you again, Carrie, for sharing your thoughts about my memoir.

"Keep in mind that the person to write for is yourself. Tell the story that you most desperately want to read." -
Susan Isaacs

 

* A CONDO, A LAKE, AND WRITING OPPORTUNITIES *

Over the past few months, I've been on a blog dry spell, in fact it's been so dry, it's been more like a desert, or White Sands, New Mexico!

I haven't been posting, replying to comments, or commenting on other blogs the way I used to, while feeling terribly guilty at the same time. I kept telling myself that I didn't have the time, didn't have the energy, etc. But I've come to realize those were not the problems. I just didn't feel motivated.

This evening, though, I have the desire to share some writing information, plus some photos. I took the four pictures below just the other day and wrote about them on Facebook. If we're "Friends" on Facebook, I'm sure you can read it there, too, if you'd like.

Custom clay chimes made about 40 years ago

 by my deceased sister, Jo Ann.

 



 

Vern checking out the scenery!

 



 

Vern and I walking on the boardwalk next to the lake.

 



 

I love this photo! We were walking and I called his name so that he might stop and look at me.....which he obviously did! J

 

 

This is where we've moved! It's a beautiful area not far from our previous house, and we just can't get over the fact that we LIVE here! We still feel as if we've been on a working vacation....helping friends move into this condo, and then we remember...WE LIVE HERE! J

~~~

 



Hey, all you writers out there! Here are some great Calls for Submissions and other info.

 

Monkey Star Press http://monkeystarpressbooks.com/call-for-submissions/ is looking for stories for two upcoming "Mom" anthologies. I don't know anything about this press, but I think it looks like a good place to submit your stories.

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics is also looking for stories for eight upcoming anthologies. We all know that Chicken Soup for the Soul has a fantastic reputation. Give it a try! What's holding you back?

 

Are you aware of the site Winning Writers? https://winningwriters.com/ It is one of THE best sources for just about everything concerning writing: Good, reliable contests to enter, contests and services to avoid, tons of resources to help you find what you're looking for, etc.etc. I just love this site. Every year they host the Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest with a deadline date of April 1st.....which I totally forgot about this year. Hmm, guess I had too much to remember, therefore lots of things were forgotten! J

 

~~~

 

Oh, how true!!

 

 

 

Hmm, if I read this one paragraph one more time

I think I'll scream!

 

 

Isn't it funny that I've mentioned Chicken Soup for the Soul books in my past few posts?? Even if you've NEVER submitted anything before, give it a try! Leave a comment about it, too, please! 







* LIVING THE WRITER'S LIFE *

For the past couple of weeks I've mentioned that I have lots of writerly info to share, and now I just hope I can remember a good percentage of it all. REMINDER TO SELF: keep better track of all the info I want to blog about!

For one thing, I've been spending a lot of time online, searching for all the different ways to market my memoir. The websites and blogs are endless and overwhelming, but I've gotten to the point where I get "a feel" right away as to whether I think one has noteworthy information or not. And still, I firmly believe the best way for a book to really take off, is by word of mouth. If enough people love a book and shout it from the rooftops, then it will soar to the top of the bestselling lists. (my dream and my goal)

Because my book is a memoir which women would particularly enjoy, I put on my old
thinking cap to come up with unique places to call on about selling it in their stores. For instance, there's a quaint shop near my home in Old St. Charles, called Thistle & Clover. They specialize in Welsh, Scottish, and Irish gifts, jewelry, clothing, etc...and a few books.

Thistle & Clover

 



I really had to talk myself into going inside that store and speaking to the owner about possibly selling my memoir there, on consignment. The owner, Karen, happened to be there the day I walked in. I showed her my book and explained how I thought it would be a great item to have in her store, since I'm part Welsh. She asked if there was anything in particular in my memoir about Wales or me being Welsh, other than my maiden name, and I hesitated for a split second and said "No!" And we both laughed. Long story short: I left a complimentary copy for her to read, stopped back a month later and she apologized for not having time to read any of it yet. I said, "Oh, I understand. No problem. I'll just check with you again in a few more weeks." I purchased a key ring that had my great-grandmother's maiden name on it: MacPherson. Yes, I'm also part Scottish! A day or two later, she e-mailed me saying she'd actually read a few pages, and that she must have my books in her store. I went to see her the next day, we talked and laughed for about an hour, and she bought six copies....full selling price! She didn't want to go the consignment way. She wanted me to have the money. Can you say New Best Friend?

 

We are definitely kindred spirits and will be meeting for dinner sometime soon. We need more time to talk!

 

That's all for this blog post. I'll be sharing much more information soon about * Living the Writer's Life. *

 

 

Welcome to my newest followers Keith Wynn at Musings of an Unapologetic Dreamer, Vickie Newman at Musing With My Tea, and Phyllis.  I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you!

 

 

 

“Laugh at yourself, but don't ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you embark for strange places, don't leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory.” -- Alan Alda

* THE LIFE OF A WRITER - PART ONE *

 

I saw this on Facebook and just had to share it on my blog!

 

https://www.facebook.com/freelancewritingjobs

 

My new favorite Facebook page!

 



Books & Writers & Blogs & Friends

Before I let another day go by without acknowledging something important......

There are many of you who have cheered me on during this long road to publication, (and I'm still not there yet!) and have also said you want to buy my memoir when it's "out." I appreciate every one of you! 

And there are many of you who have already published a book, or two, or more, that I have not purchased. I want you to know the only reason I haven't done so is a lack of funds for any "extras." But I've been saving my pennies (just kidding!) I know I'll be able to buy at least one book a month, beginning very soon. 

SO, if you're one of my published writer friends, please leave a comment or e-mail me the title(s) so I can put your book on my list of Books to Buy! 




“Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” -- Gloria Steinem

Writers: Another Call for Submissions

My friend Kathleene S. Baker asked if I would share a call out from Publishing Syndicate, and I said "Certainly!" in my best Curly (of the Three Stooges) voice. *Yes folks, some women do like the Three Stooges and I am one of them. I grew up watching them on TV in the 1950s. Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk!*

But, back to today's topic. Kathleene still needs a few stories about pets. She provided the following info:

It's time folks...I'm needing stories for Not YourMother’s Book . . . On Pets! Don't procrastinate as I already have some terrific stories in the database.  Please share with other writers, writing groups, etc. It's time to put your pen to paper.

As you can see, most anything goes. The story must be true, humorous, wacky or downright amazing!

And now, my award winning poem! No laughing allowed. :-)

From chirps to quacks to cock-a-doodle-doo
Potbellied pigs and bunny rabbits, too
Goats or monkeys and cows that moo
Rats and lizards— even snakes will do!

If they have become a pet, we will certainly consider stories of
wild rehabbed animals unable to return to their natural habitat.

~~~~~

Thanks, Kathy! Love your poem. Your poetic quality is similar to mine. ☺

Click on Publishing Syndicate's link above for submission instructions. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment area, and they will be answered. 

Happy Friday and Happy All or Nothing Day! (see widget on right side) *Psst. Tandem Skydiving is one of my bucket list adventures!

Why I Love "Writer Unboxed"

If you're a writer, I certainly hope you're a faithful reader of Writer Unboxed. 

Used with Writer Unboxed permission

So many times I don't remember how I discovered a particular website or blog, but I actually do recall where and when I first heard about this one. In May of last year, I attended a one day seminar presented by MORWA (Missouri Romance Writers of America). Literary agent and monthly contributor to Writer Unboxed, Donald Maass, was the speaker. He referred to Writer Unboxed that day and I immediately began to follow it.

(Yes, I attended a romance writers workshop, and although I only write personal essays and memoir, I learned an incredible amount of information. I took 13 pages of handwritten notes....er, chicken scratchings. After I went through all of it, I typed up what turned out to be 4 pages of information, which I shared with friends in our Coffee & Critique group.)

One of my favorite contributors to Writer Unboxed is Chuck Sambuchino. He's an editor for Writer's Digest Books, a writer, and a playwright. See his website for more credentials.

So, just why do I love Writer Unboxed? It always has fantastic articles written by an array of contributors, plus author interviews, and Give-Aways! Shortly after attending the MORWA seminar, I left a comment on one of Chuck's posts where he had a give-away, which added my name to a list of 173.....and I won! My fantastic prize: Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript, 3rd Edition by Chuck Sambuchino.

Along with reading it and another How To book I discovered on Writer Unboxed, How to Write a Book Proposal, 4th Edition, by Michael Larsen, I'm getting a handle on the correct way to submit requested info to literary agents.  

Stop by there today to read the newest articles, and also leave a comment at Chuck's newest give-away!

*Note 2:00pm: Chuck just informed me he'll be the Saturday night keynote speaker at next year's Missouri Writers Guild Conference in St. Louis! It's being held April 11 - 13, 2014. Hope to see many writer friends there. 

♫♪ ......Meet me in St. Louie, Louie....♫♪

(Sorry, I just couldn't help myself!)

"As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live." -- Goethe

* More Calls for Submissions! *

Are you tired of reading about opportunities for writers? I hope not! I just came across a couple of new ones and wanted to share the information. 

How would you like to write a 3 - 5 minute manuscript that could be read by the Petaluma Readers Theatre? Click on the link to learn all about it.

~~~~~

Quite a few of my writer friends and I have blogged about Publishing Syndicate's anthology series: Not Your Mother's Book. A new title was just announced today: Not Your Mother's Book On...Senior Moments.  Oh yeah....I think many of us have stories we can write about for that! When you click on the link and arrive at their website, be sure to scroll down, reading all the anthology titles on the left. Give it a try! You've got nothing to lose,other than a possible publication! Two of their books have deadlines that are almost here: 

NYMB ...On Being a Mom: August 1, 2013 

NYMB ...On Family: August 1, 2013

~~~~~

Tiny Lights is currently accepting submissions for its quarterly Flash in the Pan. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page for the guidelines. 

~~~~~

Tiny Lights also accepts "answers" to questions posed by Editor-in-Chief, Susan Bono, in Searchlights & Signal Flares. My answer to What keeps you honest? can be found here. The next question that needs to be answered is What do you wish you could write about? ANYONE can submit their answers to these questions, and EVERY ONE OF THEM will be posted online at Tiny Lights: A Journal of Personal Narrative. I can't imagine why any writer wouldn't want to give it a try.

~~~~~

I think that's it for tonight. I'll announce my give-away in my next blog post.

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

Writerly Advice & Calls for Submission

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

~~~

*Calls for Submissions for NINE books:

From Chicken Soup for the Soul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stories about Dogs 

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

The Dating Game! 

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

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

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

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

~~~

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




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

* STORYTELLERS *

Are you one of the fortunate TV viewers who has VH1 included in your cable or satellite package? Have you ever watched the program "Storytellers"? 

A few days ago, I noticed Jason Mraz would be the featured artist on a particular day and time, so I set my DVR to record the show. This morning I poured myself a cup of coffee and sat down to watch, and more importantly to listen to it.  (*I included the link to Jason's show. Just mute the stupid commercial that comes on first!)

I've loved Jason Mraz's music ever since he began, but even more so after watching this show. Since it is called "Storytellers," he also shared the hows and whys he wrote certain songs and he talked about keeping a journal ever since he was a teenager. 

He explained that his hit song,"Remedy (I Won't Worry)," was written for a friend who had cancer and it became an anthem for those who fight cancer and also of course the cancer survivors. 

He passionately shared the significance of writing "I Won't Give Up" and "Love For a Child," expressing how the song writes itself many times. The words just come to him and the strumming of his guitar reverberates and it all just happens. 

That's how my writing happens....sometimes. The words just flow and when that happens, it's magical. But most of the time it's very hard work. 

I am always amazed by the beautiful words and music that singer/songwriters write! They not only tell a tale with memorable words, but also compose the music that fits so perfectly. And because of that, they have so much more talent in their pinky-fingers than I do in my entire body.

And that's okay! Thank goodness for them, and for all the people who have discovered their passion, because they continue to fill our lives with beauty, whether it's with words, music, art, photography, etc.  





"...And it takes no time to fall in love
But it takes you years to know what love is." -- Jason Mraz - "Life is Wonderful"

Vern, The Iditarod, and Me

Today, after I got home from the Tuesday morning Coffee & Critique (writing) group, which also included staying afterwards for a fun (and yummy) lunch with five of my gal pals, Vern was really ready to go outside. 

He loves to go on his daily walk with me and it usually happens sometime around noon. (Today it was after 2:00pm!) When it's quite a bit later than that, he almost literally drags me along the first few yards.....and I'm grateful for that because it's a slight incline and I don't mind the help! 

This picture isn't from today but this is a good example. 

As he pulled me along, he looked like he was really working hard, tugging a heavy load behind him! It was then I thought about him running in The Iditarod and it made me smile!

Mush, Vern. Mush! 

 "Progress has little to do with speed, but much to do with direction." -- Unknown

"In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog." -- Unknown

* Guest Post - Margo Dill *

* I'm very happy to have a guest blogger today:  Wonderful writer and friend, Margo Dill. *

I met Margo in 2007 when I attended my very first writers conference. It was the (MWG) Missouri Writers Guild Annual Conference and Margo was the chair. Talk about feeling surrounded by a multitude of talented writers! I definitely experienced anxiety and felt very out of place! But Margo made me feel so welcome, from my first (and probably really dumb) question. 

And so if you don't know the lovely Margo, you'll be happy to meet her. Take it away, Margo!

~~~~

Facing Obstacles and Winning:  How Finding My Place Became a Book

by Margo Dill

Writing a historical fiction novel for kids is not as easy as you might think--especially when you have some obstacles like I did. The first obstacle occurred on September 14, 2011—three days after 9/11. I was supposed to fly to Baton Rouge to visit my best friend for a few days, rent a car, and then drive to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where my book is set, to do research. Needless to say, I did not fly three days after 9/11; but I did rent a car, against my mother’s best wishes (due to all the rumors of terrorists still planning attacks), and drove to Vicksburg.

Going to the city where I set my book was the best choice I made. I left St. Charles, MO planning to write one book; and when I left Vicksburg a few days later, I had a much better story, along with a deeper understanding of how the citizens of Vicksburg had to live in caves dug out of the yellow hills while the Union Army shot at them day and night. I understood just how close the battlefield was to the town and how the citizens were in-between the Mississippi River and the battlefield—right in the middle of the line of fire.

One of the very best resources was COMPLETELY free and easy to access at the Vicksburg Public Library—the vertical files. I actually found a copy of an 1863 Vicksburg newspaper printed on the back of wallpaper and read an account of a mother being killed while fleeing with her children to their cave. Both of these I worked into my novel.

I wish I could say that I came home, wrote the novel, took it to critique group, revised it, submitted it, and got a contract. But that is far from the truth. Obviously if Finding My Place just came out on October 1, 2012, this process took eleven years! From 2007 to 2012, I was waiting for the book to be published—White Mane Kids changed their business model once the economy started to have trouble, and my book got put on hold.

But from 2001 to 2006, I wrote the novel, rewrote the novel, took it to one critique group, moved to be closer to my husband, took it to another critique group, and went to conferences to meet agents and editors. I won’t go into detail about all of this, but I will tell you I LISTENED to the rejection feedback I received, and it made all the difference. (Note: You should always go with your gut on whether or not someone giving a critique is offering good advice. You don’t have to change your manuscript based on a critique. But be honest with yourself—do you trust the person? Does he or she know writing?)

When I sent my manuscript to the agent I shepherded (picked her up from the airport,  introduced her at her talk) for the 2005 Missouri Writer’s Guild conference and she said I needed more layers to my story and main character Anna, I wiped my tears, and my critique group helped me. The manuscript got stronger and better. Then I sent a query to Emily Easton at Walker Company, and she asked to see the whole thing!

Then she wrote me the NICEST rejection and said that my historical fiction book wasn't for the trade marketplace but perfect for the school and library market. So, I started looking into companies that geared their books to teachers, saw a submission call from White Mane Kids, and sent a query.

Believe me, rejections hurt, and I've had my fair share. But I’m so glad that after I wiped my tears—I listened to these experts. If I wouldn't have, I wouldn't be holding my beautiful book in my hands today.

~~~~~

Margo L. Dill is the author of Finding My Place: One Girl’s Strength at Vicksburg, a historical fiction middle-grade novel about 13-year-old Anna Green and her struggle to keep her family together during the Siege of Vicksburg.

To read a summary or purchase an autographed copy (a perfect Christmas present for children ages 9 to 12!), please go to http://margodill.com/blog/finding-my-place  

or  on  Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-My-Place-Strength-Vicksburg/dp/1572494085/

~~~~

(You can also learn a lot more about Margo at WOW! Women On Writing and WOW! Women On Writing - The Muffin)

** Also, for everyone who leaves a comment here, Margo is offering one of two professional critiques/evaluations. There will be one winner and she/he may choose one of the following:

**Professional critique of the first 5 pages of any novel, nonfiction work, or short story

OR

**Professional evaluation of a blog or social media profile with a written summary of what works and suggestions

Welcome to my newest followers Jess*Jessie*Jessy* and Claudia!  I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! 

T.K. Richardson's Blog Tour

Hello Everyone! I'm happy to host my writer friend, T.K. Richardson today. Please read all about her fabulous books and enter for her give-away!

 

Chamberton Publishing Proudly Presents

A Golden Light Anthology 5 Book Collection!

Thank you so much for hosting me on A Golden Light Anthology's Blog Tour! I'm so glad to be here and present to all of you our brand new releases! A Golden Light Anthology 5 Book Collection has been such a special project and I'm thrilled to be able to introduce the books to all of you.

A 5 book collections means that there is a book for just about every taste, too - from science fiction and fantasy to historical fiction, a young adult anthology, a children's anthology, and our Christian anthology. All are filled with some of the most talented authors around.  I'm sure you'll agree that A Golden Light Anthology series is something special.

Without further ado - the books!

*Don't miss the giveaway at the end of this post!*

A little about the books -

Gaslight: A Golden Light Anthology~

From the very first story by award winning author J.S. Dunn, to the last story in the anthology, readers will be swept away to various time periods with an array of characters - from ancient seafaring towns to the Ottoman Empire and everywhere in between. You'll find stories about World War I, The Civil War, and even a fantastic steampunk story - all wrapped up in Gaslight: A Golden Light Anthology.

Gaslight is an eclectic array of historical short stories that includes historical, historical romance, historical fantasy, and so much more!

I have to add that the authors contributing to this anthology are without a doubt some of the best writers of historical fiction out there. Yes, I may be biased, but I believe it's true. I think you'll agree, though, and once you read their stories in Gaslight I'd like to encourage you to check out their other books. You won't be disappointed.

Limelight: A Golden Light Anthology features tales of new worlds and old worlds and worlds yet to be. These stories twist and turn with adventure, intrigue, and wonder. This anthology of short stories brings science fiction and fantasy out of the shadows and into the limelight.

Authors Edward W. Robertson, John Grover, James S. Dorr, Ela Lond, Sergio Palumbo, Larissa Hinton, Jessica B. Zeidler, Katy Huth Jones, Alexandra Baker, Catriel Ceballos, Domyelle Rhyse, and Bill Blume spin tales of old and new, of fantasy or alternate realities. These stories wrap around the future, the unknown, and the fantastic. You may be surprised at where they’ll lead…

Take my hand and step into the light with Limelight: A Golden Light Anthology.

Spotlight: A Golden Light Anthology features young adult stories of hope. Themes of rejection and forgiveness, of loss and triumph, of loneliness and friendships, of struggles and determination, of betrayal and overcoming, lace each story.

Authors Deborah Prum, Sarah Meira Rosenberg, T.K. Richardson, Alexandra Singer, Tucker Cummings, Lynda Lee Schab, Jason Hinz, Carmen Tudor, and Lisa Marie Lopez offer stories grounded in reality or sprinkled with fantasy, but feature main characters that face real issues – issues that are often hidden in the darkness.

Step out of the shadows and into the light with Spotlight: A Golden Light Anthology.


  

Nightlight: A Golden Light Anthology 

Do you remember those nights when you switched on your nightlight or flashlight and read books under the covers?

How about those memories of your mom, dad, or grandma reading your favorite story over and over again?

Yes, the sweet events of childhood that stay with us forever...

Nightlight: A Golden Light Anthology wishes to create these memories for the children of today. Filled with colorful images and stories that are both exciting and sweet, this anthology of children's bedtime stories is sure to leave a lasting impression. 

Stories of fairies and wizards, of summer camp and family vacations, and stories of family and friends fill this children's book. Imagine spending that extra few minutes reading to your child right before they drift off to sleep. Or letting them read Nightlight themselves while you listen to them.

The memories you share together will last a lifetime, encourage literacy, a love of reading, and most importantly you'll set aside that special time at the end of the day - when work and play are done - to just be together.

That's how I envision children reading Nightlight and that was the intention compiling this children's anthology. The stories, and the authors contributing to this ebook, are hands down some of the very best.

I hope you'll get a copy, switch on the nightlight, and read it with your child.

Lamplight: A Golden Light Anthology is filled with stories and poems of faith. From the very first selection by author Seth D. Clarke to the final poem titled Benediction by David Andrews, this Christian anthology reaches in and touches the heart, inspires faith, and is filled with hope.

  We live in a tumultuous world. The evening news is filled with more bad than good. War, hunger, and loss seem to be the headlines and sometimes (or daily) we need that little bit of something that is good, that sees the darkness around us and shines a heavenly light on life.

And that's exactly what Lamplight does - it shines a light of faith and hope. The stories and poems in this anthology are real, are touching, are beautifully written, and fill that darkness with a ray of sunshine. They're not fluffy or preachy, but rather these stories and poems are uplifting.

The scripture that really inspired this anthology - "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path."

***

We hope you'll check them out!


Find our titles on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iPad, Copia,
Sony Reader, Kobo, and everywhere ebooks are sold. 

 

About Chamberton Publishing - 

Committed to excellence in book publishing, Chamberton believes the pillars of a society are founded on great literature and that each book leaves an indelible stepping stone for the future. We are currently focusing on publishing anthologies in a wide array of genres. Find our titles on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and everywhere books and ebooks are sold. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of new releases!

Get to know the authors - 

For a complete list of authors in A Golden Light Anthology we invite you to visit our website. You may find even more of their books that are just right for you! 




 




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