Romanian prisoners that write books can reduce their sentences by 30 days, but not for much longer.
The country plans to repeal the privilege because officials claim that the privilege is being abused. For example, one prisoner wrote a 212 page book in a mere seven hours. BBC has the scoop:
Justice Minister Raluca Pruna said abuse of the system had spiralled out of control, and the law was being changed by emergency decree. Last year, convicts published more than 300 books – some churned out several books in record time.
I’m so excited by these books, I have to pass them along.
First of all, right now you can get for the incredibly low price of $20 this entire story bundle of writing books. I would have bought just one of the books on my own–the horse one by Judith Tarr, since I’m writing a lot of horse scenes these days for The Bradamante Saga and yes, I’d like to make sure I get them right–but then once I saw all the other awesome craft books in this bundle: SOLD. Because every writer can get better, and it’s such a pleasure to read a great craft book by authors who are experts in their field.
And speaking of authors who are experts in their field, the great young adult author Tom Leveen now has a new book out on writing dialogue. Before turning to novels, Tom spent many years in the theater as both an actor and director. I’ve taught writing workshops with him, and his tips for writing great dialogue are always FANTASTIC. Treat yourself to this book. You’ll learn a ton.
That’s it for now, gang. Happy Writing!
I listened to a teleseminar by Steve Harrison of Quantum Leap recently. He has helped a number of heavy-hitters, such as Peggy McCall and Guy Kawasaki.
The focus of the call was on the differences between ‘rich authors’ and ‘poor authors.’
Of the differences Harrison gave, below are some of the most important.
7 Strategies and Tips that Successful Authors Use and Unsuccessful Authors
Create Your Writer Platform: The Key to Building an Audience, Selling More Books and finding Success as an Author -- Chuck Sambuchino
www.chucksambuchino.com
I’ve read several books on author platform but have to confess never fully grasping the term until reading Chuck Sambuchino’s CREATE YOUR WRITER PLATFORM. At its simplest level,
a platform is an author’s visibility and reach -- the framework an author has and continues to build that let’s others know of his or her work.
Sambuchino describes his book as
“a guide for all the hardworking writers out there who want a say in their own destinies.” Though there is no one-size-fits-all approach to establishing a platform, Sambuchino says the need for platform cannot be ignored, even for those of us who write fiction. The book is divided into three sections: The Principles of Platform, The Mechanics of Platform, and Author Case Studies. At the end of each chapter, literary agents weigh in on the chapter’s topic, giving readers perspectives outside of the author’s. One of the most helpful aspects of the book is the Case Study section, where twelve different authors from a variety of genres (memoir to self help, fiction to reference) reflect on the choices they made in building their platforms --
what worked, what they wish they’d done differently, what they believe makes them stand out from others in their field.
Sambuchino is also quick to say “this is a resource for those who realize that selling a book is not about blatant self-promotion.” It is more about relationships, the sharing of expertise, and supporting others along the way. Though written for the aspiring author, a lot of things resonated with me, a newly published author, such as the wisdom behind an author newsletter, establishing an “
events” page on my blog, and always, that kindness and generosity go a long way.
Here are some books I hope to tackle in the coming months:
Random House Children's Books pressies -- thanks, Lisa Nadel!
Books on craft
IRA goodies
Some Class of 2k12 and Apocalypsies books
The Power of Habit - Charles Duhigg
Code Name Verity - Elizabeth Wein
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking - Susan Cain
What are you reading right now?
The Frugal Book Promoter: Second Edition: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher.
I very rarely read an e-book and then buy the hard copy–but I did in this case. I have to mark it up, add my colored flags and post-its, and turn down page corners.
Why? Because it is so very full of practical, usable, frugal marketing advice. (And I mean frugal in terms of both money and your time.) I already owned the 2004 first edition, but publishing times have changed so much–and this 2011 updated version reflects that.
Why a New Edition?
We all know that book promotion (and life!) has changed since The Frugal Book Promoter was first published in 2004–particularly in ways that have to do with the Web, but in other ways, too. As an example, the publishing world in general is more open to independent publishing now than it was then. So, this update includes lots of information on ways to promote that were not around or were in their infancy a few short years ago.
So here is what is new:
- A simplified method for making social networks actually work–without spending too much time away from my writing
- How to avoid falling into some of the scam-traps for authors
- The best “old-fashioned” ways to promote–the ones I shouldn’t give up on entirely
- How to write (and publish) an award-worthy book
- How to promote your book to mobile users and others
- The pitfalls of using the Web and how to avoid them
- Unusual methods of getting reviews–even long after your book has been published
Up-to-Date
Today’s technology, social networking and marketing techniques are covered. Updated web resources abound. Advice in sync with today’s Internet are incorporated:
* Blogging tips and pitfalls
* Obtaining reviews and avoiding scams
* Finding places to pitch your book
* Using the eBook explosion to promote sales
* Using Google alerts to full advantage
* Staying on top of current trends in the publishing industry
* Writing quality query, media release letters and scripts for telephone pitches
* Putting together power point and author talk presentations
This is just a tip of the iceberg too. I highly recommend Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s updated Frugal Book Promoter. (NOTE: Be sure you get the new 2011 edition with the cover above.)
When Philip Martin asked me to tell you about his new book, How to Write Your Best Story, I agreed wholeheartedly. I've known Philip for a long time--since he was a literary agent at the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. conference several years ago. He has years of experience in the writing and publishing world, and he has combined them to bring you some great advice. It's just what many of you, readers of The Muffin, may be looking for to help with your writing. So, here we go. First a brief bio. . .
0 Comments on How to Write Your Best Story as of 1/1/1900
Can you guess what it is?
You don't have to charge it or insert batteries.
You can sit with it in a tree or under a tree is probably better.
It doesn't lose connection.
If the kids, cat, or dog jump on it, nobody screams, 'No!'
You can smell it and it actually has a smell.
It's not too precious to use.
You can dog ear it's pages.
You can even highlight the important bits.
It's a good size to tuck it in your handbag, balance on the couch, or sit on your bedside table.
It's easy on the eyes.
It's tactile and requires hand, fingers, and fingertip manipulation.
You can slip a bookmark between the pages.
You can build a coffee table, stable table, or pile them on top of each other.
It makes a noise when you close the back cover and say, 'The End.'
and lastly...
You can tell all of your friends and family to go and buy one to support the industry and the most wonderful thing ever created... A BOOK!!!!!
Just wanted to pass along information about a new book that aims at inspiring children to write. Here's what the website says: "An illuminating, first-of-its-kind resource to help parents foster a love of writing in their child’s life. New educational research reveals that writing is as fundamental to a child’s development as reading. But though there are books that promote literacy, no book guides parents in helping their child cultivate a love of writing. In this book, Pam Allyn, a nationally recognized educator and literacy expert, reminds us that writing is not only a key skill but also an essential part of self-discovery and critical to success later in life. Allyn offers the the five keys” to help kids WRITE-Word Power, Ritual, Independence, Time, and Environment-along with fun, imaginative prompts to inspire and empower children to put their thoughts on the page. A groundbreaking blueprint for developing every child’s abilities, Your Child’s Writing Life teaches parents how to give a gift that will last a lifetime."Shop Indie Bookstores
If you’ve studied a market guide lately, you might have come away in total confusion.
These days you’re met with warnings like, “If you don’t like indies, don’t bother querying.” Or a company says it’s a “legacy” publisher.
What’s with all the new terminology?
Olden Days
When I started publishing thirty years ago, it was simple. You either went with a traditional publisher (they paid you, and they did 98% of the marketing) OR you got fooled into signing with a vanity press (you paid them to print your book, plus you had to do 98% of the marketing yourself.)
The choice was an easy one if you wanted to have a career where you made money.
It’s a New Ball Game
Today our choices are basically the same, in my opinion (except you have a few FREE self-publishing choices like Kindle). But the terminology has mushroomed as new companies tried to distinguish themselves with new titles. So you had independent publishers (”indies”) springing up, resentful of the old “vanity press” title. But for the most part, independent publishers require that YOU pay them and YOU do most of the marketing.
Are you confused by the terms e-pub, POD, Kindle, self-pub, Smashwords, and more? If so, Tracy Marchini has done a book called Pub Speak: a Writer’s Dictionary of Publishing Terms to clear up the confusion. While I haven’t read the book personally, I have seen several very good reviews of it. If I were starting out in publishing, I think I’d need a copy.
Pub Speak: A Writer’s Dictionary of Publishing Terms is a dictionary for both new and established authors that contains over 400 definitions, including:
- - contract and royalty terms
- ebooks and audiobooks
- fiction and non-fiction
- publishing terms
- retailers, book clubs, wholesalers and distributors
- social networking and collaborative publishing
- trade associations, events and publications
- writer’s organizations, awards and publications
This book just might bring an end to the confusion…for now, anyway!
By:
Robin Brande,
on 4/24/2011
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Why does everything take so long? Um . . . maybe because I put it off forever?
But today my choices were clean off my desk (never) or finally update my Book Store (okay, yes). So what you’ll find there are not just some random selection of novels, biographies, science books, food books, etc., but an actual thought-out list of recommendations for some great reading in a bunch of different categories.
What have I read most recently that I absolutely loved? Why, Judi Dench’s memoir, of course. If you’re a fan of Dame Judi–and really, how can you not be?–then you’ll enjoy her book AND FURTHERMORE, even though those of us who aren’t British may not be as familiar with all the names she drops from her days in the Royal Shakespeare Company and all that. But I’ll tell you what, thanks to her memoir (which I’m now re-reading a week after I finished it, because I just want to), I’m on a Judi Dench movie kick lately. This weekend it was CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE, because even though Dame Judi was fabulous as Queen Elizabeth in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, really there’s nothing better than watching her as M in the James Bond flicks.
And thanks to one of her scenes in QUANTUM OF SOLACE, I really want to start answering the phone, “What is it?” That’s right, Judi, make them get right to the point.
The other book I’m absolutely rabid about right now is Laura Hillenbrand’s UNBROKEN: A WORLD WAR II STORY OF SURVIVAL, RESILIENCE, AND REDEMPTION. That book will amaze, horrify, and most likely change you. I’ll tell you one thing, it certainly makes you want to stop complaining about every little thing in your life. I listened to the audio book on a long car drive recently, and it not only made the miles fly by, it also made it a little dangerous at one point because I was crying so hard I probably should have pulled over. Sorry, Safety Monitors. But that book was so inspiring I’m probably going to read the print version next, because I really need to experience it again.
Both the Judi Dench memoir and the Laura Hillenbrand biography can be found in my book store under the category “Burly Adventurers Who Inspire Me.” Because you don’t have to be a mountain climber to make it into that group–you just have to lead a remarkably bold and fearless life.
My final current recommendation, listed under “Favorite Books on Writing,” is James A. Owen’s DRAWING OUT THE DRAGONS: A MEDITATION ON ART, DESTINY, AND THE POWER OF CHOICE. Owen is the bestselling author and illustrator of the CHRONICLES OF THE IMAGINARIUM GEOGRAPHICA series, starting with HERE, THERE BE DRAGONS. His new book grew out of the inspirational talks he gives to middle school and high school students, encouraging them to pursue their dream of being writers and artists. I’m already pursuing that dream, but dang if I wasn’t re-inspired. It’s like one of my other favorites, Stephen King’s ON WRITING, but without the drugs.
So there! Another item I can mark off my to-do list! Now what else can I do instead of cleaning my office?
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I can’t believe I never thought of this before! I feel ditzy even admitting this, but maybe it will help you like it’s helped me.
Aha! Moment
I have dozens of great writing books, and many of them contain terrific writing exercises to help us improve our craft. Some will improve the quality of your description, some will develop character emotions, some will pep up your dialogue, etc.
When I buy a book like this, I start out with great enthusiasm, using a clean notebook to do the writing prompts and exercises. Less than a week later, I’ve put the book on the shelf. Why?
Doing the writing exercises takes time. And I have so little writing time that I don’t feel I can spend it doing writing exercises.
What’s the Answer?
I never thought–until today–to combine the two things! I can’t believe this never occurred to me. I’m reading The Writer’s Portable Mentor: A Guide to Art, Craft, and the Writing Life. At first, I groaned when I read this: “Basic productivity underlies everything else. Take the chapters one by one. Actually do the exercises!“
I sighed and almost quit reading. But the author, Priscilla Long, added this instruction that created the AHA! for me: “But–and this is crucial–do every exercise in relation to some peice you are working on. Don’t just make up sentences on the fly, out of your head. Instead, in your writer’s
notebook, write out a paragraph from the piece you are working on as it currently exists. This is your ‘before’ paragraph. Then work the paragraph, using whatever craft technique you are currently deepening… When you get an ‘after’ paragraph you like, type it back into the piece.”
Paradigm Shift
Actually doing the exercises in the craft books (or your lesson manual) is what improves your writing craft. So put your study/craft book right beside the manuscript you’re working on and use portions of your current work to do the exercises. You’ll be growing as a writer AND revising your manuscript at the same time.
I’m going to go back and systematically use the writing exercises in all the books on my shelf–while applying the exercises to my current revison. This technique will revolutionize my studying from now on!
I realize that many of you have probably been doing this for years! But it’s news to me–and I’m excited to see how this is going to change the way I write. If you try this, let me know how it works for you.
Manuscript update: Nothing new to report yet as I haven’t had a chance to work on my new book since yesterday.
Sue Grafton
But I wanted to share a link to a great interview with prolific mystery writer Sue Grafton (the alphabet series). In the Writer’s Digest article, Grafton explains that she finds writing hard with each book.
I take writing terribly seriously, and sometimes that just gets in my way. … I keep thinking, Uh-oh, this is going to be the book that does me in. So that frightens me so desperately that I get into a panic when I should shut my mouth and get on with it.
About how much she knows about the journey her character is going to take, she says:
You have to understand, this is a form of mental illness. I fully own it. In my mind, I am only privileged to know what she chooses to share, and she assures me that some things are just not my business, thank you. I don’t tell her. She tells me. I discover things about her in the process of writing. I don’t have a great scheme afoot. I try to keep honest, I try not to repeat myself. I try to let her evolve as she will, not according to my dictates. It’s a very odd process.
And her advice for new writers:
Give yourself time to get better. Writing is really hard to master. You learn by failing over and over.
I love writing and find it very rewarding, but, like many of us, I often find it hard to keep the doubts away. It’s good know that it affects even the most successful of authors. We’re not alone, but like Grafton, we have to keep going, keep working, keep writing. It is worth it.
What ails you in your writing?
Write On!
I personally need to read the last section of Chapter Two:Concentrate on the Task at Hand. Vorhaus writes,
When you're concentrating on the task at hand, the outside world truly does not exist. You get in a lick of good work, pat yourself on the back for that lick of good work, then, taking that win, press on to the next piece of work, better equipped than ever to win.
Lately, I've felt like one of those water skeeter bugs that skims the surface of the lake, zipping from one place to another as I tackle first one task and then another. Sure, I've checked off a lot of items on my to-do list, but none are of critical importance.The worst part is the feeling that I'm avoiding real work, hard work. I'm staying on the surface, flitting about, when what I really need to do is dive in deep. I need to find an ending for my short story. And I really need to work on the synopsis for my novel.
Tomorrow's the day I strap on my snorkel and mask. Tomorrow's the day, I take a deep breath and break the surface. I'm diving in.
Confession of a bookaholic: I love books about writing as much as the next writer. I’m always searching for that nugget of information or secret trick that will help me improve my writing and power past my current writing struggles. This is the first in an occasional series of books on writing and craft.
Title: The Comic Toolbox: How to Be Funny Even If You’re Not
Author: John Vorhaus
I’ve always believed that humor is a gift and an art. While I love watching and reading funny movies and books, I’ve never thought about why a joke or a line of dialogue is funny. Either it is or it isn’t, right?
Wrong. In The Comic Toolbox, John Vorhaus, who taught at the UCLA Extension Writers Program and wrote for The Wonder Years and Married… with Children, explains the fundamentals of comedy and the elements involved in developing comedic stories using examples from classic movies and popular TV shows. (Note: The book was published in 1994, so some of the examples are dated. Anyone remember The Golden Girls?)
Besides talking about comedy in particular, Vorhaus also discusses the creative mindset writers need to overcome their fears and produce funny work. For those of you interested in the quantity vs. quality debate, Vorhaus comes out strong on quantity in “The Rule of Nine,” which says
For every ten jokes you tell, nine will be trash. For every ten ideas you have, nine won’t work. For every ten times you risk, nine times you fail.
Why should we continue taking risks if we’re liable to so much failure? Vorhaus explains,
…the rule of nine turns out to be highly liberating because once you embrace it, you instantly and permanently lose the toxic expectation of succeeding every time. (p. 12)
The nugget
Vorhaus provides a number of useful tools and exercises throughout the book, but the part that had the most impact on me was “The Comic Throughline” in Chapter 7, where Vorhaus describes the key elements in a successful comedic story.
Given his desire to experiment with many different story ideas (The Rule of Nine), Vorhause wanted
a way of writing the barest bones of my story in ten sentences or less, so that I could discover with a minimum of work whether I had an interesting, whole and solid story or not. (p. 76)
This Comic Throughline is an alternative to the classic Hero’s Journey as described by Christopher Vogler in The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. Rather than embark on a quest, in the Comic Throughline the protagonist attempts to reach a goal only to find that the goal shifts, compelling him or her to face a moment of truth before risking all.
One stage of the Comic Throughline, which occurs about halfway through the structure, is called “A Monkey Wrench is thrown.” During this stage, Vorhaus explains, the protagonist experiences a shift away from his initial, surface-level success. Often, the monkey wrench occurs because the protagonist falls in love, and his loyalty shifts from himself to someone else.
Vorhaus’ description of this stage made me think of <
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By:
Kristi Holl,
on 2/22/2010
Blog:
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During the past year I’ve done more novel critiques than usual. Some have been so-so, some were very good, and a few have already sold.
What made the difference between the “very good” stories and the manuscripts that sold? In my opinion, it was the overall strength of the novels.
Often the “very good” book manuscript was strong except for just one area. Maybe there was no felt emotional connection with the main character, or all the dialogue voices sounded like the author’s voice. Perhaps the one weak area was lack of suspense despite beautiful prose, or poorly researched historical facts, or terrible mechanics.
Oops!
Often when I mentioned the trouble I saw, the writer emailed me back and said, “I knew that was a problem. I guess I was hoping you wouldn’t notice.” It’s better to listen to your gut feeling and assume if you know there’s a problem, others will see it too.
“Hoping an editor won’t notice” isn’t a solid marketing plan. Even if they had the time (which they don’t), editors aren’t in the business of fixing the story for you or teaching you how to write. That’s up to you-but what can you do?
Back to School
“Unless you’re working with an expert instructor, you need to be designing your own writing improvement program,” says James Scott Bell in The Art of War for Writers. “Work out a systematic plan to overcome your weak areas by setting up self-study programs.”
We all hope our novel’s strengths will over-ride the weaknesses, but you want your novel to be healthy overall, not just mostly healthy with one or two weak areas. If your physique were great except for flabby underarms, you would target that flapping fat with exercises and a program designed specifically for upper arms. In the same way, if your novel is weak in one or two areas, you need a specific exercise program to strengthen that area.
Make a Plan
For example, if your problem is dialogue that all sounds like the same flat voice, you might need a self-study program called “Creating Distinctive Voices.” Your study question might be: How can I create distinctive voices for each character, so distinctive that I can tell who’s speaking without any identification?
Here’s one plan, and you can adapt it for any area you want to improve:
- Make a list of novels where you remember the characters coming through in their dialogue as distinctive. (accent, regional speech, slang, choppy vs. languid speech, hip vs. old-fashioned, formal vs. grammatically incorrect, straightforward vs. flowery speech, etc.)
- Choose several of these novels and re-read them specifically for the dialogue. Keep your study question in mind as you read. Underline passages that do the job and then write a few scenes where you try to accomplish the same thing through dialogue. Don’t copy their words, but try to copy the technique used.
- Buy some books on the particular writing problem you have and study them. There are good writing books available on every area of craft you can imagine. You don’t have to re-invent the wheel, nor do you have to submit stories that are weak in one or two areas.
In today’s economy, your stories need to be the cream that rises to the top. Ensuring that your novel is strong in every area is one way to do that.
In the most recent marketing teleclasses I've attended, one of the messages conveyed is that unless you're a major author with tremendous sales, you will not get rich from writing books. You may not even be able to make a living.
So, how does an author create a living out of writing?
Well, whether you're in the process of writing a book, in the process of having a book published, or your book is already available for sale, there are a few strategies writers can use to supplement their income or create a living from writing:
1. Create ebooks and offer them for sale. If you're a fiction writer, write about elements of writing, the process, the pit falls, the publishing process, your marketing strategies, and so on. Write what you know.
2. If you have interests other than the fiction you write, capitalize on them also. If you're a great cook, write about cooking. If you have an interest in health, do the research and write about it.
In steps 1 and 2, it's easy to create a pfd with images and a cover. You can offer them on your site, or through services such as Lulu.com.
If you're willing to invest in a clickbank account or another of these types of services, you can find affiliates to help you sell your ebooks.
3. Don't forget this ONE essential strategy that all writers need to utilize: Write articles, research appropriate magazines and submit, submit, submit - if you don't submit your work, you will not get published...or earn an income from your writing. And, being published does matter; it opens up doors and opportunities that may not otherwise be open.
4. If you're writing nonfiction, think spin-offs. You can create journals, and even videos for sale.
5. Look into selling through catalogues.
6. If you’re writing nonfiction, seek out corporations or businesses that may be interested in your topic. For example: I wrote a bed time story and a great writing coach, Suzanne Lieurance, suggested I look into children's stores (furniture, clothing, etc.) to see if they'd be interested in buying in bulk and offering your book to their clients for sale or as giveaways.
7. If you're published, offer teleclasses or coaching. This is one of those opportunities that will work better if you're published.
8. Promote, Promote, Promote!
These are a few of the strategies you can use to generate income from writing.
Tip: Remember to be focused and research your target market.
Here are two additional posts that might be of interest (just click on the titles):
Private Label Rights - Time Saving Strategy
The Self-Publisher's Guide, 2nd Edition
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
By: Rebecca,
on 7/17/2007
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Exciting news at OUP! James McPherson has won the The Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing. The award recognizes and honors the lifetime contributions of a living author for a body of work dedicated to enriching the understanding of American military history including military affairs.
Echoing all of our feelings Niko Pfund, Vice President and Publisher, Oxford University Press said, “Oxford University Press warmly congratulates Jim McPherson on his receipt of the first Pritzker Military Library Lifetime Achievement in Military Literature Award. Few scholars more consistently combine first-rate scholarship with accessible historical writing, and few authors are more of a pleasure to publish. We are delighted that so richly deserving a writer and thinker has been chosen to inaugurate this prestigious award.”
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7 Comments on Answers Part 1, last added: 8/13/2010
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Last night I finished Beholding Bee. Such a fresh idea, so well-written. It made me think about an idea I was noodling in a whole new way. I love that about books!
I don't keep books on my nightstand because I'd never fall asleep if I read in bed. But I do read earlier in the evening, when staring at the computer gets to my eyes. I'm currently re-reading some humorous MG stories, as research, including books by Wendy Mass and Carl Hiaasen.
And I also loved Beholding Bee!
The One and Only Ivan, Three Times Lucky, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, and Be-yond Ba-by Talk (a linguistic guide to your child's first few years). And on my Kindle, Voyager by Diana Gabaldon. Determined to finish that series before Luke turns one!
Oy! I have such a stack!
Me too. And this is Kimberly Fusco, right? I heard her editor, Michelle Frey, talk about her first book, TENDING TO GRACE at a conference in 2005. Kimberly had met Michelle at a conference one-on-one, and Michelle had said she'd look at the manuscript again with some work. I was fascinated with the way Kimberly buckled down and committed to the manuscript -- which led to an eventual sale.
Have you read that book? It's beautiful.
Love that books keep you up!
Reading is always research in some way. I love that I can both study and enjoy at the same time.
Lots of goodies! I haven't read THREE TIMES LUCKY yet, though I heard Sheila talk at the Decatur Book Festival. I'm three or four book in to Gabaldon's series and have a feeling I'd need to pick up that book of characters she has before I start up again.
By the way, how's motherhood treating you??
Jumping in here to say Tending to Grace is gorgeous! Did you know Kim wrote it as poetry first? That's why the language is so spare and luminous.
No! But I know she added Grace's stutter to the storyline after her critique with Michelle. It truly made the story.
Well, I must thank you all for making my day! We lost power tonight for several hours and my husband was reading to my daughter and me by candlelight - the new Schneider Award recipient, A Dog Called Homeless - the power came on and I saw these comments about BEHOLDING BEE and TENDING TO GRACE. I feel blessed to be a writer, and blessed to meet such talented people. And yes, each chapter in TTG began as a poem and I found the courage to write about stuttering because I was (and sometimes am still) a stutterer. And somehow I've become a rather fearless public speaker because I found a voice. Amazing how a little writing can transform your life. Thank you!
Hello and thank you for stopping by! I feel blessed to have heard your story (I met Michelle Frey at IRA last year and shared how much it meant to me) and to have read your work. You are an inspiration.
Can't wait to pick up A DOG CALLED HOMELESS.