Tuesday, December 19, 2017
USS Sunfish (SS-649) at Christmas Time
USS Sunfish (SS-649)"Christmas I Remember Best:Ocean depth fail to dampen spirit of Christmas" by Mark R. Clary EM2 Story in Heroes Beneath the Waves... Heroes Beneath the Waves...
Friday, December 15, 2017
Self Publishing Profits
Self-publishing
A site to learn about selling you book.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/writersandillustrators/permalink/10155829838992591/
A site to learn about selling you book.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/writersandillustrators/permalink/10155829838992591/
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
When to Hire an Illustrator
https://www.hireanillustrator.com/i/blog/1033/hiring-a-childrens-book-illustrator/ This is the best site that explains the differences in hiring an illustrator for self-publishering and traditional publishers.
Monday, December 11, 2017
UPDATES: Mary Nida Smith
National Geographic
AMERICA BOOK OF POETRY - RELEASE DATE: FALL 2018 My Arkansas poem will be
included.
|
https://www.vitalsource.com/…/heroes-beneath-the-waves-mary…
(Textbook) Teachers can find teaching material for students (all ages) by
searching "submarine information for kids" on Google.
Publisher
Skyhorse Publishing – Agent Jeanie Loiacono
Published COWBOY JO, a 500 word free verse poem at http://www.csi. edu/silo. College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls,
Idaho Published 2017.
HEROES BENEATH THE WAVES, FOR STUDENTS
STUDENTS/SCHOOLS Heroes Beneath the Waves: Submarine Stories of the Twentieth Century, is an ideal history book for students to learn and research how important submarines are for spying, transporting, and rescuing without the world knowing. The seas hold many secrets. Students will learn what training the submariners had to acquire to qualify, and how the crew lived and survived. Many young men starting at the age of seventeen sign-up, but few were chosen. Pets aboard were important to many, for this was their first time away from home.
STUDENTS/SCHOOLS Heroes Beneath the Waves: Submarine Stories of the Twentieth Century, is an ideal history book for students to learn and research how important submarines are for spying, transporting, and rescuing without the world knowing. The seas hold many secrets. Students will learn what training the submariners had to acquire to qualify, and how the crew lived and survived. Many young men starting at the age of seventeen sign-up, but few were chosen. Pets aboard were important to many, for this was their first time away from home.
Sunday, December 03, 2017
Friday, December 01, 2017
Local Authors Book Signing
https://www.facebook.com/events/366329160480889/
A story and poem in Heroes Beneath the Waves, share how some submariners spend Christmas away from home during duty on a submarine.
Friday, November 24, 2017
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Poem Published in a Literary Journal
Good News: I received word from Kory Lloyd, Associate Professor, English, College of Southern Idaho, my poem was selected to be published in 2017 publication of "SILO." The College of Southern Idaho's literary journal will be up next week on http://www.csi.edu/silo.
I am honored to be selected in a town I spent nine years. Where I was involved with Idaho Writers League (President Twin Falls Chapter)and where my freelance writing and doing illustrations took off. I always try to make the best out of all the places I have been - each was a learning adventure. God is always at work. I feel so blessed.
I am honored to be selected in a town I spent nine years. Where I was involved with Idaho Writers League (President Twin Falls Chapter)and where my freelance writing and doing illustrations took off. I always try to make the best out of all the places I have been - each was a learning adventure. God is always at work. I feel so blessed.
Monday, November 13, 2017
Thursday, November 09, 2017
Monday, November 06, 2017
Poem Keepsakes
Removable Keepsakes
(C) Mary Nida Smith
(C) Mary Nida Smith
Our grandson comes and goes
He leaves us memories galore
Friends may think we are dirty
We don't believe this dirt's hurting
I wipe them off as I go
In my heart it leaves its toil
Thank God for little fingers
That print memories that linger
On windows as he watches cars go by
On the refrigerator door he closed, when told
On closet mirrors, as he adored
MR. T on his pj's on sleepless nights
He filled my days with joy between visits
Thank you grandson for your art prints
even if you thought you were careful.
He leaves us memories galore
Friends may think we are dirty
We don't believe this dirt's hurting
I wipe them off as I go
In my heart it leaves its toil
Thank God for little fingers
That print memories that linger
On windows as he watches cars go by
On the refrigerator door he closed, when told
On closet mirrors, as he adored
MR. T on his pj's on sleepless nights
He filled my days with joy between visits
Thank you grandson for your art prints
even if you thought you were careful.
Saturday, November 04, 2017
Wednesday, November 01, 2017
Arkansas SCBWI
2017 Publishing Workshop
The Arkansas SCBWI Publishing Workshop is Nov. 18, 2017 at the Fayetteville Public Library, Walker Community Room, in Fayetteville from 1-4:30 p.m. Author, Editor & Publisher Meg Dendler will lead the workshop on small & independent publishing. In her presentation, Process, Benefits, and Pitfalls of Publishing with an Independent Publisher, she will explore the differences between self-publishing and indie publishing and how authors can decide which route is best for them. A panel of authors working with small and independent publishers will join Dendler at the close to discuss and answer questions. This free workshop is offered as part of a grant from SCBWI. Information and registration are at: https://arkansas.scbwi.org/events/arkansas-scbwi-publishing-workshop/
Retreat 2017 Wrap-Up
The Arkansas SCBWI 2017 Retreat was Oct. 13-15 in Fort Smith. Two agents, Kari Sutherland and Victoria Selvaggio, joined the faculty for the retreat, offering attendees in-depth advice on manuscripts with individual critiques and writing exercises during workshops. Attendees delved into the process of self-editing projects and looked more intensely at dialogue, plot and show versus tell. All attendees were invited to submit to the agents after applying their feedback on their manuscripts. Some also had requests for other projects discussed during the retreat! Both agents were highly complimentary of our writers, the quality of the writing here and our region’s events.
SCBWI BookStop
Several ARSCBWI members have SCBWI BookStop pages for their books out in 2017. Stop by to find out about their books, and give them a like and a comment. You can find their pages here: https://www.scbwi.org/?author_illustrator_name=&s=&book_category=&sel_region=741&incl_all_pub_type=yes&pub_type=trad&post_type=blp
Critique Groups
Critique groups are active around the state, and others are looking for members to form a group in-person or online. You can also find this list on the ARSCBWI Member Page. Members have expressed interest in critique groups in the following areas or genres. Please contact arkansas@scbwi.org if interested:
–Picture books
–Illustrators
–Fort Smith area
Member News
Remember to let me know if you have a release date for your book, book signing, author event or good news. Email the information to arkansas@scbwi.org, so we can keep track of it and help you spread the word - so send your updates today!
As the holiday season approaches, make sure you schedule time for your creative work. Make a commitment to yourself to focus on your work - even if it’s only 100 words or a scribble of a sketch a day. Do something to move yourself and your work forward!
Warmest Regards,
Phyllis
--
Phyllis Hemann
SCBWI Arkansas Regional Advisor
arkansas-ra@scbwi.org
The Arkansas SCBWI Publishing Workshop is Nov. 18, 2017 at the Fayetteville Public Library, Walker Community Room, in Fayetteville from 1-4:30 p.m. Author, Editor & Publisher Meg Dendler will lead the workshop on small & independent publishing. In her presentation, Process, Benefits, and Pitfalls of Publishing with an Independent Publisher, she will explore the differences between self-publishing and indie publishing and how authors can decide which route is best for them. A panel of authors working with small and independent publishers will join Dendler at the close to discuss and answer questions. This free workshop is offered as part of a grant from SCBWI. Information and registration are at: https://arkansas.scbwi.org/events/arkansas-scbwi-publishing-workshop/
Retreat 2017 Wrap-Up
The Arkansas SCBWI 2017 Retreat was Oct. 13-15 in Fort Smith. Two agents, Kari Sutherland and Victoria Selvaggio, joined the faculty for the retreat, offering attendees in-depth advice on manuscripts with individual critiques and writing exercises during workshops. Attendees delved into the process of self-editing projects and looked more intensely at dialogue, plot and show versus tell. All attendees were invited to submit to the agents after applying their feedback on their manuscripts. Some also had requests for other projects discussed during the retreat! Both agents were highly complimentary of our writers, the quality of the writing here and our region’s events.
SCBWI BookStop
Several ARSCBWI members have SCBWI BookStop pages for their books out in 2017. Stop by to find out about their books, and give them a like and a comment. You can find their pages here: https://www.scbwi.org/?author_illustrator_name=&s=&book_category=&sel_region=741&incl_all_pub_type=yes&pub_type=trad&post_type=blp
Critique Groups
Critique groups are active around the state, and others are looking for members to form a group in-person or online. You can also find this list on the ARSCBWI Member Page. Members have expressed interest in critique groups in the following areas or genres. Please contact arkansas@scbwi.org if interested:
–Picture books
–Illustrators
–Fort Smith area
Member News
Remember to let me know if you have a release date for your book, book signing, author event or good news. Email the information to arkansas@scbwi.org, so we can keep track of it and help you spread the word - so send your updates today!
As the holiday season approaches, make sure you schedule time for your creative work. Make a commitment to yourself to focus on your work - even if it’s only 100 words or a scribble of a sketch a day. Do something to move yourself and your work forward!
Warmest Regards,
Phyllis
--
Phyllis Hemann
SCBWI Arkansas Regional Advisor
arkansas-ra@scbwi.org
Thursday, October 26, 2017
A poem About A Man who loved the Ozarks.
Laid Down His Spurs
This
man worked the
land
he loved for
over seventy years.
He
started with
empty
pockets
bought
nothing
without
cash
or
something to trade.
Long
days of hard labor
until
he reached
into
his seventies.
Then
– he took
pleasure
in his abilities
to
be the best
in hunting and fishing.
His
pleasures in life
soon
gave way to a
world
of darkness.
His
dark eyes chained
Him
to his chair
Yet
… it NEVER
claimed
his mind or spirit.
On
the night
God
called him home,
he
laid down his spurs…
and
left the
flowers
turn
brown.
©
By Mary Nida Smith
Written
in memory of my father-in-law
Edd
W. Smith
Wendell,
Idaho
Died
June 4, 1986
Born
and raised in NW Arkansas
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Saturday, October 21, 2017
BRAGGING OR PROMOTING
Have you ever been accused of bragging about your success when posting clippings, site connects, or your book information? You feel you want to share, how all your hard work has paid off. Nothing like, making you feel you have created a great sin. Yet, these same people love to read magazines such as; People and Entertainment Weekly.
What I don't understand, is, if you own a business, do crafts or write a religious book - its okay. This is why social media (a blog and Facebook) are mighty important to me, when I am unable do tours or have signings. It is wonderful all the different "promote your book groups" that have started up. What a great service they do for themselves and others.
I have been blessed to have an agent and a wonderful publisher for my latest book. I had a running start with my book promotions they provided.
Do your friends and family understand?
I hope to do more writing on my blog, as I did when I stated it 2008, when My first book, Submarine Stories of World War II, was released.
What I don't understand, is, if you own a business, do crafts or write a religious book - its okay. This is why social media (a blog and Facebook) are mighty important to me, when I am unable do tours or have signings. It is wonderful all the different "promote your book groups" that have started up. What a great service they do for themselves and others.
I have been blessed to have an agent and a wonderful publisher for my latest book. I had a running start with my book promotions they provided.
Do your friends and family understand?
I hope to do more writing on my blog, as I did when I stated it 2008, when My first book, Submarine Stories of World War II, was released.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Monday, October 16, 2017
Tuesday, October 03, 2017
Friday, September 29, 2017
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Monday, September 18, 2017
Friday, September 15, 2017
/fall-conference/Thursday, September 07, 2017
Wednesday, September 06, 2017
Tuesday, September 05, 2017
Sunday, September 03, 2017
SPRINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Calling all local NWA Authors! Join us for author readings, Q & A sessions and a chance to buy local author books. Authors should register to participate by Saturday, October 21 via online registration (click on link below), email (jjohnson@springdalelibrary.com), telephone (479-750-8180) or in person. Space is limited.
Indie Author Day is Saturday, November 4 from 2:00 – 4:00
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Look Back at August 31, 2014
A very busy time for me, I have several commitments to fulfill the next two months and I need to do work on promoting my book, "Submarine Stories of World War II" for ages ten and up before the eyes of an editor/publisher. I received a letter from my literary agent and she believes in this book and respects the men in it and she is working extra hard, so I want to do my part. The nine veterans(in their 80s and 90s) sharing their stories are friends of mine. Several have sailed on and I want school children, grandkids and adults to remember what they endured during the underwater war. I am so surprise how many people never heard of submarines. The submarines and their crew took over after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. God is in control and if this is suppose to be, it will be.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Skyhorse Publishing
http://skyhorsepublishing.com/titles/8795-9781634505123-heroes-beneath-the-waves A non-fiction history book for age preteens and up. Some pictures.
Friday, August 11, 2017
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Monday, August 07, 2017
Tuesday, August 01, 2017
Monday, July 31, 2017
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Ozark Creative Writers Inc.
You
Still Have Time!
The Board of Directors of Ozark Creative Writers Inc. would
like to remind you that there is still time to register for the 51st Annual
Conference at the Early Bird Discounted Rate. In addition, the deadline for
entering the contests is just around the corner. For more information check
out our website http://www.ozarkcreativewriters.com
Also remember to save the dates October 12-14, 2017 and come
prepared to experience "Your Lucky Day in the Ozarks" at the Ozark
Creative Writers Inc.51st Annual Conference at Best Western Inn of the
Ozarks, Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
|
Friday, July 28, 2017
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Arkansas SCBWI Events
Save the dates for our upcoming events (https://arkansas.scbwi.org//events/):
--Arkansas SCBWI Writing Workshop, Sept. 16, Little Rock
--Arkansas SCBWI Retreat, Oct. 13-15 in Fort Smith
--Arkansas SCBWI Publishing Workshop, Nov. 18, Fayetteville
Conference 2017 Wrap-Up
It’s been more than a month since the close of the 2017 conference, which was a special and inspiring weekend for attendees. We hosted Kait Feldmann, associate editor at Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic); Molly O'Neill, literary agent at Waxman Leavell Literary Agency; and Nick Thomas, editor at Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic). This was our first year in a new venue, and your feedback was overwhelmingly positive! Thank you to all of you who spoke to me in person and sent notes about how the conference inspired you. I love hearing feedback from all of you!
Our speakers also shared their thanks to all the attendees and volunteers. I wanted to pass along one of the thank you notes from one of the editors: “Thank you again so much for a wonderful time at SCBWI Arkansas. I can only imagine how much time and energy was put into making this run as smoothly and successfully as it did, and am appreciative of all your work--from the detailed rundowns and well-organized schedule, to the rides, thoughtful snack bags, and comforting meals. I'm glad we got to spend time talking and getting to know each other, and enjoyed every minute of my stay! Please pass along my gratitude to Melanie, Bob, Brett, Kimberly, Sherrie and everyone else who helped out.”
--Arkansas SCBWI Writing Workshop, Sept. 16, Little Rock
--Arkansas SCBWI Retreat, Oct. 13-15 in Fort Smith
--Arkansas SCBWI Publishing Workshop, Nov. 18, Fayetteville
Conference 2017 Wrap-Up
It’s been more than a month since the close of the 2017 conference, which was a special and inspiring weekend for attendees. We hosted Kait Feldmann, associate editor at Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic); Molly O'Neill, literary agent at Waxman Leavell Literary Agency; and Nick Thomas, editor at Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic). This was our first year in a new venue, and your feedback was overwhelmingly positive! Thank you to all of you who spoke to me in person and sent notes about how the conference inspired you. I love hearing feedback from all of you!
Our speakers also shared their thanks to all the attendees and volunteers. I wanted to pass along one of the thank you notes from one of the editors: “Thank you again so much for a wonderful time at SCBWI Arkansas. I can only imagine how much time and energy was put into making this run as smoothly and successfully as it did, and am appreciative of all your work--from the detailed rundowns and well-organized schedule, to the rides, thoughtful snack bags, and comforting meals. I'm glad we got to spend time talking and getting to know each other, and enjoyed every minute of my stay! Please pass along my gratitude to Melanie, Bob, Brett, Kimberly, Sherrie and everyone else who helped out.”
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Monday, July 10, 2017
Saturday, July 08, 2017
Saturday, July 01, 2017
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Monday, June 26, 2017
Storm Poem
June 23, 2017
A Storm Rolled In
© By Mary Nida Smith
A Storm Rolled In
© By Mary Nida Smith
The sky darkened, clouds rushed in
to cover all light, wind ran madly
building up anger as it picked up speed
pulling off tree limbs and roof covers.
The heavy low, dark clouds opened up
drowning plants that tried to cling
strong roots to soil beds.
Rain, hail and leaves hit hard
against the windowpanes.
As quickly as the storm appeared
it disappeared, leaving its ill ways
scattered across the area
in miles in which it traveled.
to cover all light, wind ran madly
building up anger as it picked up speed
pulling off tree limbs and roof covers.
The heavy low, dark clouds opened up
drowning plants that tried to cling
strong roots to soil beds.
Rain, hail and leaves hit hard
against the windowpanes.
As quickly as the storm appeared
it disappeared, leaving its ill ways
scattered across the area
in miles in which it traveled.
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Friday, June 16, 2017
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
A Kids Book A Day
https://kidsbookaday.com/ Learn about children's books by reading their reviews and comments.
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Poem Evening Blast
Evening
Blast
©by
Mary Nida Smith
The
sounds of a dove
Each
morning and evening
Cried
out of its lost
I
was sadden this morning
By
the silence of its cry
Last
night it was stopped
By
three shots that ran out.
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Sounds
from the Woods
©
By Mary Nida Smith
Mourning
dove at daybreak
Hiding
in the woods.
Its
haunting voice rides the wind
Coooooo-woo
over and over again
Until
it reaches beyond the trees.
Its
wooing call continues
Loud
and strong each morning
The
cries of losing a mate or
The
wooing voice of a lover
Needing
a lifetime vow
To
help raise a family
As
two “turtle doves”
Hiding
in the woods.
Tuesday, June 06, 2017
Answered Prayers
Answered
Prayers
©
by Mary Nida Smith
Rain
promised today
God
kept it away
Clouds
and sun
Fought
for space
In
the sky overhead
At
the local festival
God
knew many
Had created items
To
sell to feed the family
God
answered prayers
Kept
the rain away
Until
everyone was asleep
After
counting their blessings
Knowing God answers prayers.
Monday, June 05, 2017
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Monday, May 22, 2017
KILIT ROUNDTABLE
Arkansas SCBWI Conference, June 16-17 in
Little Rock
--Arkansas SCBWI Writing Workshop, Sept. 16, Central Arkansas
--Arkansas SCBWI Retreat, Oct. 13-15 in Fort Smith
--Arkansas SCBWI Publishing Workshop, Nov. 18, Fayetteville
KidLit Roundtable This Saturday in Rogers
Don’t forget to join us for the first ARSCBWI KidLit Roundtable at the Rogers Public Library at 3 p.m. on May 20. Meet fellow writers & illustrators, trade tips and discuss topics relating to kidlit. Thanks to volunteer Kimberly Mitchell for working with me on this ARSCBWI project!
Conference in June (Pitch Sessions Available)
Our conference is a month away! If you haven’t signed up, you still can. We have an exciting line-up for the 2017 Arkansas SCBWI Conference June 16-17. Conference faculty includes Kait Feldmann, associate editor at Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic); Molly O'Neill, literary agent at Waxman Leavell Literary Agency; and Nick Thomas, editor at Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic).
Our consultations sold out this year. Pitch sessions are still available for picture books and novels. Also, illustrators who want a portfolio consultation, I can schedule a slot for you on Friday night. All of these are very limited, so if you are considering it, email arkansas@scbwi.org now to reserve your spot.
More information on the conference, including links to the faculty bios is here: https://arkansas.scbwi.org/events/arkansas-scbwi-conference-2017/
Member News
Remember to let me know if you have a release date for your book, book signing, author event or good news. Email the information to arkansas@scbwi.org, so we can keep track of it - so send your updates today!
Warmest Regards,
Phyllis
--
Phyllis Hemann
SCBWI Arkansas Regional Advisor
arkansas-ra@scbwi.org
--Arkansas SCBWI Writing Workshop, Sept. 16, Central Arkansas
--Arkansas SCBWI Retreat, Oct. 13-15 in Fort Smith
--Arkansas SCBWI Publishing Workshop, Nov. 18, Fayetteville
KidLit Roundtable This Saturday in Rogers
Don’t forget to join us for the first ARSCBWI KidLit Roundtable at the Rogers Public Library at 3 p.m. on May 20. Meet fellow writers & illustrators, trade tips and discuss topics relating to kidlit. Thanks to volunteer Kimberly Mitchell for working with me on this ARSCBWI project!
Conference in June (Pitch Sessions Available)
Our conference is a month away! If you haven’t signed up, you still can. We have an exciting line-up for the 2017 Arkansas SCBWI Conference June 16-17. Conference faculty includes Kait Feldmann, associate editor at Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic); Molly O'Neill, literary agent at Waxman Leavell Literary Agency; and Nick Thomas, editor at Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic).
Our consultations sold out this year. Pitch sessions are still available for picture books and novels. Also, illustrators who want a portfolio consultation, I can schedule a slot for you on Friday night. All of these are very limited, so if you are considering it, email arkansas@scbwi.org now to reserve your spot.
More information on the conference, including links to the faculty bios is here: https://arkansas.scbwi.org/events/arkansas-scbwi-conference-2017/
Member News
Remember to let me know if you have a release date for your book, book signing, author event or good news. Email the information to arkansas@scbwi.org, so we can keep track of it - so send your updates today!
Warmest Regards,
Phyllis
--
Phyllis Hemann
SCBWI Arkansas Regional Advisor
arkansas-ra@scbwi.org
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
OZARKS WRITERS LEAGUE
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ozarkswritersleague/
Countdown to Friday! If you want to read at open mic, would like a book table, or need to purchase lunch, NOW is the time. Contact me at Diane@dianeYates.com. See you guys this Friday the 19th. We have a great conference planned for Saturday - travel writing, fiction writing, learning how to pitch your manuscript, and more.
Countdown to Friday! If you want to read at open mic, would like a book table, or need to purchase lunch, NOW is the time. Contact me at Diane@dianeYates.com. See you guys this Friday the 19th. We have a great conference planned for Saturday - travel writing, fiction writing, learning how to pitch your manuscript, and more.
Friday, May 12, 2017
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
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Gone from my life
Wildlife friends
Herds of deer
Special doe and fawn
Turtles bathing
Birds building homes
Chipmunks filling cheeks
Funny looking insects
Snakes up trees, down holes
Gone from my view
I watch and wonder
Where have
they gone?
(C) Mary Nida Smith