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...

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.

Friday, December 01, 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.

Monday, November 06, 2017

Poem Keepsakes

Removable Keepsakes
(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.

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

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Forest Folk of Wild Ozark

https://www.facebook.com/wildozarkforestfolk/ I love them. Such a cute idea and lots of work.

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


Sunday, October 22, 2017

Fake Weather

Rain clouds circle
teases us with sprinkles.
Sun pushes in bright
shoves clouds back.
Dark clouds and sun
appear like two kids
playing hide and seek.
Dark clouds bellow
sun flashes light
sun is winning
rain lost out.
Bringing only pain
to my old bones.
 © Mary Nida Smith



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.


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 

2017 Heartland Book Festival

https://www.facebook.com/heartlandbookfestival/

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Poem "GONE."



  1.  I placed this on children's author David L. Harrison's W.O.M. blog. The word for the month "Gone."
  2. ABSENT
    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

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.

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Village Writing School

www.VillageWritingSchool.com   *   alisontaylorbrown@me.com   *   479-292-3665

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.

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.”

Monday, June 26, 2017

Storm Poem

June 23, 2017
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.

Friday, June 16, 2017

Mary Nida Smith 's Art

(C) By Mary Nida Smith All art  is copyrighted 








Mary Nida Smith's Art

(C) Each piece of art shown is  copyrighted by Mary Nida Smith







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. 



Dorothy Anderson Wood Carving

http://arkansascraftschool.org/41introtoWoodCarving.php

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.

How to Research Literary Agents

http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2017/06/how-to-research-literary-agent.html

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

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.





Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Arkansas SCBWI KidLit

MAY20
Arkansas SCBWI KidLit Roundtable Northwest Arkansas
Public
 · Hosted by SCBWI-Arkansas
  • Saturday, May 20 at 3 PM - 4:30 PM
    Next Week
  • Rogers Public Library