Local Authors Book Sale and Signing

My apologies. If you tried to register and couldn’t because you didn’t have a Library card, you’ll now be able register without one. The form has been updated. Have a great day!


From: Kathe [mailto:kathe.a@baxtercountylibrary.org]

Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2012 12:19 PM

To: kathe.a@baxlib.org

Subject: Invitation to local author book sale

Hello author!
Registration has begun for December’s event.
Local Author Book Sale & Signing Event

The Library will showcase local authors at this holiday book sale and signing event. Meet neighbors who are authors over a cup of hot spiced cider and have them autograph your purchases. Books make great gifts, so shop locally and support talented local authors!

Date: Sunday Dec 2, 2012
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Contact: Kathe Altazan 870-580-0987 x 2975 kathe.a@baxlib.org

Location: Knox Community Room A&B Combined
If you are a published author, please register for booth space during November by clicking on the following link.
Space will be available on a 1st come 1st served basis.
http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=BAXTER&curkey2=authors

Halloween Gate

      Photo (c) by Mary Nida Smith

Beware of mind games people play.

I wish Halloween would go back to it's roots

when it celebrated the Bible Saints - All Saints Day.

Dr. Brooks Blevins and the Library

Sunday October 7th  I attended Baxter County Library Lincoln (The Constitution and the Civil War) Special Exhibit Sept 25-Nov 9 to hear Dr. Brooks Blevins speak on life and times in the Ozarks. He has several books:  Ghost of the Ozarks, Arkansas/Arkansaw:How Bear Hunters, Hillbillies, and Good Ol' Boys Defined a State and HillFolks: A History of Arkansas Ozarkers and Their Image. http://www.press.uillinois.edu  Check at the library and Gaston's Visitors Center/Bull Shoals

I won a door prize the book - Mr. Lincoln's Camera Man, Mathew B. Brady.

Saturday Oct 6th attended Midway Baptist Church ladies Ministry - Refreshments and speaker.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY AND ART

Friends of the Library meet Sept 26, !:30 P.m., with guest speaker Reference Librarian Vincent Anderson on: Lincoln and the Civil War. Vincent is a very interesting speaker. FOL is celebrating a birthday with a cake - join us for fun & refreshments.

I am slowly organizing my studio and art room(guest bedroom). I am going through boxes of frames, art paper, supplies, drawings and paintings. So much stuff and I sold a lot when I thought I would never draw or paint again. I haven't been painting or involved with art guilds since I moved from Siloam Springs 1998) where I was the president of Siloam Springs Artist Guild, involved with Sager Creek Art Center and Harvard Avenue Baptist Church Art Ministry. I still may never get a chance to paint -who knows what tomorrow will bring. Don't get me wrong I am still writing.

I found my lost post.

What Happened?

I spent time writing an updated blog and in the blink of my eyes it disappeared. I'll try again later.
Have a quiet evening.

Watch for New Email

Please hold all emails to marynida@suddenlink.net until you are provided with a new email address. If needed phone 870-431-5369 or leave a message on Facebook. Thank you.

Watching God's Creatures.

I wanted to place photos on my blog like I use to and now can't -WHY?

Chicago, Photographs,Arts Council and Story Book Chair

It feels strange to be back. The trip to Chicago and area was very

special. It has been a busy couple of months.

I have been busy uploading my Kodak photo albums to Shutterfly

over 500 albums. I wish I could limit how many photos I take,

I see beauty and wonderment in every little or big thing I see.



I had problems with my computer, mostly my email password

and I still do. My server said it wasn’t their fault so I had a local

computer man come out who said I had a virus where I needed

all my files cleaned. So while he went on a trip I took it to Staples

where they checked it out to be okay and they added some memory.

I do know I need to get a new one soon.



Check out the updated Ozark Regional Arts Council website http://www.ozarkregionalartscouncil.org and read their newsletter.

I write “Twin Lakes Area Writers,” a monthly column promoting

writers groups from Hardy, Mountain View to Harrison, Arkansas

and from Ava, West Plains, Gainesville, Missouri to Mountain Home.

I joined for $25. Each club member pays a dollar. If you belong to a

photography club or any other club, please join and support the

creative people in your area.



The Princess Paisley Story Book Chair created by Carole T. Jones &

Dorothy Anderson, two very talented members of the Palette Art

League at Yellville will be up for bids in August to help raise funds for

the Gamma House in Mountain Home, AR. I am crazy the chair. I will

soon be announcing the release of Carole’s colored illustrated kids

cookbook. Illustrations are of animals cooking or eating and it includes

coloring pages for kids to enjoy. To see the chair visit my facebook.
I can't find the insert on this updated Blogger.com

I can't post. Why?

Why can't I post?

Helpful Books for Writers

Two books that can help you as a writer:

• The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches & Proposals by Moirs Allen
• THE RIGHT WAY TO WRITE, PUBLISH AND SELL YOUR BOOK Your Complete guide to Successful Authorship by Patricia L. Fry

Is this Bragging or Promoting

Is this Bragging or Promoting? It is difficult to write up my own bio - I feel silly - like bragging as a child when my mother said it was a "no-no." I wrote my first long bio.  I have been involved in many creative areas. If I thought I had a chance I entered/submitted a foot in the door and sometimes it was only a toe. Sometimes I was paid and some not. Everything I tried I learned from that experience.  At workshops, retreats and conferences, they stress you must promote yourself - get your name out there.

If you allow people to make more withdrawls than deposits in your life, you will be out of balance in the negative. Know when to close the account - Christie Williams.

Missy Ann's Card

The bottom of this card did not show. It has a pedestal. My granddaughter Missy showers me with beautiful hand crafted cards from PAPYRUS  for she knows I love them. Thanks Missy Ann, I love it.

ART ODYSSEY

Art Odyessy tour May 17-18-19, Mountain Home, Arkansas and surrounding area artisans studio tour. The Ozark Regional Arts Council newsletter -Regional Arts Gazette (RAG) will be out next week. The updates and news about authors/writers in North Central Arkansas and South Central Missouri will be part of the newsletter. So, authors/writers please keep me updated with your news. Exciting creative adventures are happening in this area and I am over-joyed.

CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK

CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK.
Please support the authors in your local area at bookstores, libraries, and their signings. Purchase a book
for a child and watch their eyes light up and a big smile fill their face. Children's books are fun to read - ask an adult for they have always loved children's books.

Established in 1919, Children's Book Week is the longest-running literacy initiative


in the country. Each year, books for young people and the joy of reading are feted

for a full week with author and illustrator appearances, storytelling, parties,

and other book-related events at schools, libraries, bookstores, museums, and homes

from coast to coast!



That Bookstore In Blytheville will have several events celebrating CBW, including

author appearances, book readings, and give aways. Come down and help us spread

the joy of reading to our local youth!



Sincerely,

Mary Gay Shipley

That Bookstore in Blytheville

Charlaine Harris, author Southern Vampire Mysteries

That Bookstore In Blytheville is proud to host best selling author Charlaine Harris.
Harris is an Arkansas author famous for her Southern Vampire Mysteries series, which
was picked up as an HBO television series in 2008. May 8 at 7:00. Join us at the
 Ritz for a Q&A with Charlaine, then come dow to That Bookstore In Blytheville to
meet this amazing author and get your books signed. Harris will be here promoting
the latest book in her hit series, Deadlocked. We hope to see you there!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Deadlocked (Sookie Stackhouse Book 12)
By Charlaine Harris

With Felipe de Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada),
in town, it's the worst possible time for a body to show up in Eric Northman's front
yard - especially the body of a woman whose blood he just drank.

Now, it's up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the
murder. Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl's fate has nothing
 to do with her. But she is wrong. She has an enemy, one far more devious than she
would ever suspect, who's out to make Sookie's world come crashing down.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Poetry Month:
Children’s poetry http://poetryforchildren.blogspot.com
New book by David L Harrison “COWBOYS” illustrated by Dan Burr
Cowboy Poets Yearly Gathering at Elko, Nevada. Founder Hal Cannon.

THE THING VIII 1-4 Saturday April 21st at the Baxter County/Donald W. Reynolds
Library http://baxlib.org

TWIN LAKES WRITERS meet April 21, 10 -12 a.m. http://twinlakeswriters.org

I will be attending:
Tuesday, April 17 Ozark Regional Arts Council
Wednesday, April 18, Pals/Palette Art League, Yellville
Saturday, April 21, Twin Lakes Writers and The Thing.
Tuesday, April 24, Marvelous Magazine Gals Night Out
Wednesday, April 25, Friends of the Library auction, it is going to be the best ever. To view a few of the items check our cabinet display at the library.

I have been very busy trying to keep up with church, friends, family and household chores. Many times it becomes a crazy balancing act with my writing. I try to write each
day and to submit more often. My poem for author David L. Harrison’s word of the month is up on his blog. I continue to prepare and submit to markets. I have a book of poems I am working on to be self-published this year. I keep plugging along. I am preparing some published items and my books for show and tell when I speak at the library in May.

Monday, April 16, I attended the Friends of the Library board meeting and the Bull Shoals Historical Society meeting. My friend Kerri Fivecoat Campbell was the speaker.
She did a great job of sharing how having a blog and facebook can be like writing a journal and keeping up with family.
There have been so many things I wanted to share since attending the Ozarks Writers League in February, but I have been busy writing and taking time out for family. I can’t promise to do better in the future, but will try. Catch me on FACEBOOK

Arkansas author Robyn Leatherman’s novel Summer Rain tells the story of a young Cherokee woman named Rain who comes of age at the time of the Cherokee Removal.
The whole title of the book is Summer Rain: Getsikahvda Anitsalagi (The Removal of the People).
This journey begins in Georgia in a typical Cherokee village in the early 1800s, where a young girl and her best friend realize there are strangers poised to take their land and home away from the Cherokee and from neighboring tribes.The girls witness the birth of the new written language of Tsalagi in the year 1821 and the acquisition of a printing press in the year 1827. The Cherokee Phoenix would mark the first newspaper to ever be printed and circulated by a Native American tribe.
Rain falls in love with a white boy and is forced to follow her heart and save her own life, or to remain loyal to her family, knowing that in doing so, she could lose not only her true love, but also her life.
Both the author and her husband are Cherokee. Leatherman’s research into the period and events includes stories told by grandparents. The book can be ordered at the publisher’s website, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.

Dana Johnson, PAL President
Palette Art League
The P.A.L.'s Fine Art Gallery
"Personally, I experience the greatest degree of pleasure in having contact with works of art.
They furnish me with happy feelings of an intensity such as I cannot derive from other realms." Albert Einstein

"Art and Artisans of the Ozarks" volume two, purchase your copies now @ $29.95 , they going fast.

501-c3 non profit organization
870-405-6316 Gallery
870-656-2057 my cell http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Palette-Art-League/144449325573360?ref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/White-River-Artists/117484501632890

The finalists for the 2012 Children's Choice Book Awards were recently announced. I'm excited to say that books written by four of JacketFlap's members are among the finalists! Please join me in congratulating the four finalists by clicking their names below and leaving a congratulations comment on their profiles:Zombie in Love, written by Kelly DiPucchioSidekicks, written and illustrated by Dan SantatPirates Don't Take Baths, written and illustrated by John SegalDORK Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Talented Pop Star, written and illustrated by Rachel RussellLaunched in 2008 by the Children's Book Council and Every Child A Reader, The Children's Choice Book Awards is the only national book awards program where the winning titles are selected by children and teens of all ages. Young readers can vote for their favorite books, author, and illustrator of the year at BookWeekOnline.com until Thursday, May 3, 2012. Educators, booksellers, and librarians can also tally and enter kids' votes as a group. This year, more than 20,000 children and teens nationwide determined the finalists: children spent months reading and rating books in the classroom through the IRA-CBC Children's Choices Program; teens made their voices heard through voting hosted by TeenReads.com. The Author and Illustrator of the Year finalists were selected by the Children's Book Council from an evaluation of best-seller lists with an emphasis on Bookscan. The award winners will be announced live at a gala celebration in NYC hosted and presented by kid lit heavyweights on May 7, 2012 as part of Children's Book Week (May 7-13th, 2012), the nation's longest-running literacy initiative.

(C)PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARY NIDA SMITH

Took several at this location over the last few months.

A couple nights ago we had a flaming red sunset-magic.

I tried to place photos in my different categories on my facebook,

but they wouldn't upload. A lot of wasted time.

Greetings!Ann B. Ross is coming to Blytheville! Ross is known for her popular Miss Julia series.She will be here promoting the series' latest book, Miss Julia To The Rescue. The new book will be released April 3, so set a reminder and don't miss out on meeting this renown author!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Miss Julia to the Rescue Can Miss Julia spring J. D. Pickens from a sheriff's clutches and investigate a cult-plus keep up appearances as a proper Southern lady?Miss Julia simply can't abide sitting idle. With young Lloyd moving out and husband Sam off to the Holy Land for two weeks, Miss Julia's feeling restless already. Maybe it's time for that overdue home makeover.But before she can even pick a color scheme, Miss Julia must race to the rescue of Hazel Marie's new husband. J.D. has gone missing while on his latest private investigation job. And police in West Virginia have detained an injured man fitting his description. Now it's up to Miss Julia and Etta Mae to free him before he cusses himself into a jail cell.Back in Abbotsville, wealthy eccentric Agnes Whitman has returned to town with a following of misfits. Could they be a religious cult set on converting the locals?And will Miss Julia get back in time to stop them? One thing's for sure: she won't waste time watching paint dry-no matter which shade of beige is the latest rage.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~About The Author Ann B. Ross, who taught literature at the University of North Carolina at Asheville,is the author of Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind, one of the most popular Southern debut novels in years, Miss Julia Takes Over, Miss Julia Throws a Wedding, and Miss Julia Hits the Road. She lives in Hendersonville, North Carolina.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Get To Know Ann B. Ross Over Dinner That Bookstore In Blytheville will be hosting a dinner with Ann B. Ross April 13 at 6:00pm. Dinner location and ticket prices are listed below.Tickets: $15.00Located at That Bookstore In Blytheville316 West Main Street Blythevilla, AR 72315~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(c) Mary Nida Smith BLOGGING IS IMPORTANT -- It is the start of connecting with others with the same interest and FACEBOOk is a connection to the world. If you want to discover where you are connecting: Placed your name & a category in Google search such as I do every few months.
Mary Nida Smith books
Mary Nida Smith poems
Mary Nida Smith photos
and other categories
Keep up and keep on!

(c) copyrighted by Mary Nida Smith

Mar-8 That Bookstore In Blytheville begin taking orders for John Grisham's new books, Calico Joe and Theodore Boone: The Accused.

April 11, Writers' Workshop with Bruce Hale Sponsored by SCBWI-Missouri http://www.moscbwi.org/ Check out their website for the first Saturday meetings at Springfield, Missouri.

June 22-23 Beyond Bootcamp: A workshop for Intermediate Stage Writers & Illustrators Sponsored by SCBWI-Missouri.

Check out children's author David L Harrison's blog for the W.O.M. word of the month where a word is given each month (March-track) to write a poem using that word.

Come down to That Bookstore In Blytheville March 3 and see Martha Dixon, author of Triumph Beyond Measure. She will be at TBIB from 1:00-3:00.From the back-breaking work of picking cotton in the hot Arkansas sun, the daughterof a poor sharecropper, to the dressmaker for the First Lady of the United States,Martha Dixon's story is uniquely American. Starting with nothing but an entrepreneurialdrive, Ms. Dixon rose to the peak of her profession. Triumph Beyond Measure is animpossible story that became possible. A tale of a woman who believed in herselfand set her sights high. Inspirational, motivational, and steeped in lessons learnedalong the way. Triumph Beyond Measure will leave you cheering. "They said you needto crawl before you can walk," writes Ms. Dixon, "but I didn't want to walk. Nor did I want to run. I wanted to fly." Rags to riches. From the poorhouse to theWhite House. Triumph Beyond Measure is a story everyone should read.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Baxter County Library, Mountain Home booksale starts today, February 16-18th. I almost forgot since I have been unable to help set-up or attend. Today, Friday and Saturday will be busy for me. Lunch with some friends from PAL's and next two days in Branson. First time to Ozarks Writers League since February of last year. I have missed it. Saturday 18th, is the Twin Lakes Writers meeting - http://www.twinlakeswriters.org

I HATE IT!
by Mary Nida Smith ©

Valentine’s Day
in grade school
the teacher creates
a box decorated
with lace and hearts
where everyone
places special cards.
At the end of love
and friendship day
the box is opened.
Excitement fills the room
as one by one names
of classmates are read
Susan, Jimmy,
Jeanne Rae, Mary Lou,
Gary and Terry.
Each desk piles high.
It continues until
the box is empty.
I sat feeling silly
and awkward for
in my hand was one
lone card
with the name, Mrs. Scott.
That was from my teacher.
That is nice,
but,
everyone received one.
Valentine’s Day

has never been
for me ...


This sweet card arrived as I finished writing my poem
from friend, Kerri Fivecoat Campbell. I felt as if she was
looking over my shoulder. Sweet!

Last week was a good week and a sad week.
I worked in the studio weaning myself of a few of my many, many books. It was a difficult job, but one that needed to be accomplished to make room for other books piled
on file boxes, my coffee table and fireplace hearth. I love kids’ books, nature books and old books. I sacked and boxed them with lots of magazines I delivered to a small
library out in the county where bears and bobcats roam. What a pleasure it was to meet head librarian Marcell; a very dedicated book lover. I am grateful to my friend Lonnie for introducing us. Remember to support the small libraries with funds and used books.

Lonnie and Valerie, both writer friends introduced MaryEllen and her blog “Five Tired Dogs” to me. Maryellen is thinking she might want to do some writing. I know one thing after visiting with her she is a natural storyteller. I love meeting new people. Last month I enjoyed the company of artists from Palette Art League in Yellville.

I sent a book query to an independent publisher and a query to a magazine. I wrote the poem “Mystic” for the word of the month/Feb on children’s author David L. Harrison blog. David asked me to provide the word for this month. I chose “supernatural.” My poem was about nature. He also placed a moon photo of mine on his blog and he titled it,
“Moon over Arkansas.” He requested poets to submit a valentine poem on Tuesday.
A picture of me reading and one I took of my neighbor is in Marvelous magazine http://marvmag.com click on – Show us your M! Relaxation.

Sad news- the neighbor cut down two Eastern Red cedars at the backyard fence line. The birds were very unhappy, so I am going to plant some trees on our side for my feathered friends.
I continue to try to live one hour at a time and to always be patience in everything

ELAINE MOODY WILSON, AUTHOR - you can find her books at Amazon & Barnes & Noble
The kids loved all the fishing items she shared with them.

Children’s Author and Illustrator to Visit Baxter County Library Saturday,February 4th, 2012
Children’s book author and illustrator, Elaine Wilson, will share her books, artwork, and stories in a presentation for the whole family at the Donald W. Reynolds Library Saturday, February 4, 10:30am.

Wilson’s stories, Fisherman Jack’s Secret and Fisherman Jack Meets the River Creatures, were inspired by her father, who spent his summers as a local fishing guide along the White River and winters as a trapper to support their family of eight.

“You can stand on the bridge (at Calico Rock) and look upriver and see the actual rock where Fisherman Jack has a picnic,” said Wilson. Wilson grew up in Calico Rock and now resides in Melbourne, AR. Her books will be available at the Library for purchase and autographing during the event.

All children’s programs are provided at no charge as a service of the Baxter County Library through generous donations and scholarships. Children of all abilities are encouraged to participate.

For additional information, contact Children’s Librarian Deborah Edmonds at 870-580-0987 x2032. For information on all Library programs, visit the Library’s website at www.baxlib.org. The Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter County is located at 300 Library Hill, Mountain Home, AR.

GROUNDHOG DAY, this is the only day groundhogs are honored. This tradition was brought by the German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania.
Photo from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
When I lived in Idaho on the Snake River Plains high desert we knew spring was here when the Yellow-belled Marmots came out of their rocky dens.I loved to watch them sun themselves on the rocks and hear their warning whistle when I got too close.

When I was a kid in Wisconsin I went on a fox hunt and came home with two baby groundhogs that changed my feelings about wildlife. I have written a story/a rough draft on that spring adventure. I have so many stories I need one year to donate all my time to.
I love the memories I have growing up on farms – what a playground!

Enjoy the wild creatures for they have feelings too and bring a lot of joy into our lives.
Yesterday, I walked up Oakridge Mountain (discover neat items to photograph) and along the banks of White River at Bull Shoals-White River State Park. I seen eagles, but not close enough for my camera, but was able to photograph two vultures perched in a tree overlooking the river and one of the beautiful Sycamores.

This Saturday February 4, children’s author & illustrator Elaine Wilson will be at the Baxter County library at 10:30 in the children’s library for more click on http://www.baxlib.org/ I’ll be there will you?

THAT BOOKSTORE: Robert Leleux Book Signing!January 28 at~ 1 p.m Greetings!Robert Leleux will be here with his mother signing copies of his new book, The Living End. The Living End is a tribute to an unforgettable woman, and a testimony to the way a disease can awaken an urgent desire for love and forgiveness. Told with sparkling wit and warmth, The Living End will resonate with families coping with Alzheimer's,and any reader looking for hope and inspiration.Robert Leleux's grandmother JoAnn was a steel magnolia, an elegant and devastatingly witty woman: quick-tongued, generous in her affections, but sometimes oddly indifferent to the emotions of those who most needed her. When JoAnn began exhibiting signs of Alzheimer's, she'd been estranged from her daughter, Robert's mother Jessica, for decades. As her disease progressed, JoAnn lost most of her memories, but she also forgot her old wounds and anger. She became a happy, gentler person who was finally able to reach out to her daughter in what became a strangely life-affirming experience, an unexpected blessing that gave a divided family a second chance.Come out and meet Robert Jan-28 at That Bookstore In Blytheville.That Bookstore in Blytheville316 West Main Blytheville, Arkansas 72315 870-763-3333

SQUIRREL APPRECIATION DAY Always January 21st.

This is one of my friends Mrs. M. We have been friends since she was born in the big Red Oak. That was about five years ago. She comes to visit me at my bedroom window that is high off the ground. She stands up to catch her peanuts and if I am not fast enough, she motions with her hands to hurry and throw one. She is such a little sweetheart. She and her family has provided laughter while entertaining me. I have taken lots of photos.

THE PATH THROUGH the TREES by Christopher Milne published in 1979, the full story on Winnie-the-Pooh's companion who escaped from under the shadow of his famous father. The further adventures of the author of THE ENCHANTED PLACES - The memoir of Christopher Robin's childhood. In 1979 Mr. Milne was living with his family in Dartmouth, England where they owned a bookstore.

Today, January 18th is WINNIE THE POOH DAY the birth date of A.A. Milne in 1882. The initials stand for Allen Alexander.

I have a little statue of Piglet who was one of my favorite. Maybe, it is because I raised a piglet in my house. No, not a Pot-belled pig, a pink farm pig;a runt of the litter. I fed Wiggles with a bottle. No, I never called him "Runt."

Missouri Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrator has a new website http://moscbwi.org/ and their events calendar shows a lot of exciting events at Springfield, MO and throughout the state. I know I have to get their newsletter to keep up with all that is happening. This is very exciting.

THAT BOOKSTORE IN BLYTHEVILLE, AR: Check their schedule to see all the authors that will be there. One is using Calico Rock, AR as the backdrop for his book. He is a famous author. I will not give you his name as I want you to be surprised.
Jan-167:00 pm Newbery Honor winner Margi Preus will be having dinner with teachers and librarians from local schools and it is open to the public for $7.50. You must have a reservation to attend. She will visiting with Gosnell students the next morning

PELICAN PUBLISHING COMPANY PUBLISHER AND OWNER PASSES(Gretna, La.) January 9, 2012––In March of 2010, New Orleans area based Pelican Publishing Company, Inc., celebrated the fortieth anniversary of publisher and president Dr. Milburn Calhoun. Today we mourn his passing.A bookman, publisher, philanthropist, and retired physician, he died Saturday, January 7, 2012, at West Jefferson Hospital in New Orleans following a lengthy illness. He was eighty-one. Visiting takes place today, Monday, January 9, 2012, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a service immediately following at Oak Park Baptist Church, 1110 Kabel Drive, New Orleans. Additional services will be held Thursday, January 12, 2012, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home, West Monroe, La., with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a service and interment immediately following at Sibley Cemetery in Choudrant, La.Born in West Monroe, on January 15, 1930, he was a graduate of Ouachita Parish High School, 1947; Northeast Junior College, 1949; Louisiana State University, 1951; and the LSU School of Medicine, 1955. After an internship at New Orleans Charity Hospital, 1955-56, he practiced medicine in Buras for nine years, interrupted by two years in the United States Air Force where he attained the rank of major. He practiced medicine at Nicholson, Baehr, & Calhoun from 1965 until his retirement in 1997. He also served as chief of staff at West Jefferson Hospital. He was a longtime member of Oak Park Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and in numerous support positions.A lifelong bibliophile, he was a recognized expert on rare books. He founded Bayou Books, an old, rare, and out-of-print book dealer specializing in Louisiana and Southern subjects, and in 1961, he opened a Gretna bookstore by the same name. In 1970, he and family members acquired Pelican Publishing Company, a small New Orleans book publishing company that they relocated to Gretna. Publishing standouts include the blockbuster success of motivational titles such as Zig Ziglar’s See You at the Top and the publication of Cajun Night Before Christmas®. In addition to spawning Pelican’s wildly successful series of more than thirty Night Before Christmas titles and products, the publication of Cajun Night Before Christmas® marked the beginning of Pelican’s children’s book division, which is now the company’s largest niche. Other areas of specialty include cookbooks, architecture titles, the Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year Series, works on Southern history and culture, Civil War scholarship, black studies, and books covering every aspect of life in Louisiana.“We were not a people of means,” Dr. Calhoun said, describing the challenge of purchasing a bankrupt publishing house, “so we did it the old-fashioned way. We published important books that other publishers were not publishing and a large part of the population wanted.”The model worked. Pelican’s sales doubled each year during the first ten years of Dr. Calhoun’s leadership. Business expanded into all fifty states, and soon the company began to establish its international presence and enjoy global distribution in the sale of English-language rights to publishers throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. Today, with a backlist of more than 2,500 titles, Pelican is the largest independent trade book publisher in the South. In continuous operation since 1926, Pelican remains a family-owned, independent general trade and children’s publisher committed to publishing books of quality and permanence on a wide variety of subjects.In 1998, he funded the Mary and Darrell Calhoun Recreational Center at the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe, and in 1999, he endowed the one-million-dollar Mary E. and Darrell L. Calhoun Chair in Pharmacology at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He and his wife established the Milburn and Nancy Calhoun Foundation in 2009 to support religious and educational activities. Donations may be made to the foundation at 9 Muirfield Place, New Orleans, LA 70131.Dr. Calhoun reflects on some of the highlights from his forty years, along with Pelican’s history and the publication of Sherwood Anderson and Other Famous Creoles, the first trade title by William Faulkner and the first book in Pelican Publishing history, here.For media inquiries, contact Antoinette de Alteriis, Promotion Director, Pelican Publishing Company 504-368-1175 x 331 or adealteriis@pelicanpub.com.###Sam GoldenPelican Publishing CompanyFan us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/PelicanPublishingFollow us on Twitter: @PelicanPub, www.twitter.com/PelicanPubFind us on the web: http://www.pelicanpub.com/

This was forward by Dr. Fred Pfister, Editor of The Ozarks Mountaineer magazine http://www.ozarksmountaineer.com/

Updates and Good News:
I have been busy reading and mind writing to put pieces I am working on in order. Need to stay calm and not rush around setting too many goals. I must remember finish/prepare one at a time and send by snail mail or email. I will not allow negative spam to stay in my
thoughts over a second before I delete it. No worry –Be happy.

Children’s author David L. Harrison’s blog with W.O.M. (Word of the month) where we write a poem each month from a suggested word from David or one of the involved poets; it is great fun. This month’s word is “eternity.” New Year’s Day we were invited to share a poem only for that day. Mine was titled, “Cold Water and Aspirin.” Also, David and author/playwright Sandy Asher are sharing information to help writers. They started this week. Sandy was once the Missouri’s SCBWI Regional Adviser. So, we can gain a lot of knowledge from both.

44th Annual Children’s Literature Festival James C. Kirkpatrick Library, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO March 18-20, 2012 For information and registration forms visit http://guides.library.ubmo.edu/cif or call 6660-543-4306 or email to cifreg@ucmo.edu

I was surprised to see my name mentioned on Flashlight Press’s blog for helping spread the word for Pobble’s Way written by Simon Van Booy and illustrated by Wendy Edelson. Dotti Enderle’s book Grandpa for Sale for ages 4-8 and 32 pages was published by Flashlight Press.

I received a card yesterday from The Wisconsin Veterans Museum and Research Center, Madison, Wisconsin that they had received my book, Submarine Stories of World War II that was requested by them to submit to their library. I am a native of Wisconsin
and Ervin O. Schmidt one of the veteran’s story in the book is from Marshfield and he also was at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed. It is an honor to my book in the different museums.

Deborah Niemann is a homesteader, writer, and self-sufficiency expert who presentsextensively on topics including soapmaking, bread baking, cheesemaking, composting,and homeschooling. She and her family raise sheep, pigs, cattle, goats, chickens,and turkeys for meat, eggs, and dairy products, while an organic garden and orchardprovides fruit and vegetables.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Follow-up LinksEvent Calendar [http://www.tbib.com/event/deborah-niemann-book-signing]More About Deborah [http://deborahwrites.com/index.html]Buy The Book! [http://www.tbib.com/book/9780865717022]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Deborah Niemann Book Signing!Deborah Niemann, author of Homegrown and Handmade: A Practical Guide To More Self-ReliantLiving, will be at That Bookstore In Blytheville promoting her new book.Where: That Bookstore In Blytheville316 West Main StreetBlytheville, AR 72315Date: Monday, January 2, 2012Time: 4:00 - 6:00 pm~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HOPEFUL

New Year once again
Time to reflect and reject
Keep the good
Reject the bad
March forward
Explore and expand
New beginnings
Time to celebrate
Chance for renewal
The year of possibilities
Dreams and ideas
Rise up, fly the flag
Of trust and confidence
Create the world
Surrounded with dreams
That does come true
© Mary Nida Smith

I wish each and everyone a Blessed Christmas!

CORRECTION: The wonderful picture book from Flashlight Press is titled Pobble's Way not
Knit Pobble Mittens. I am thankful for the correction from Flashlight Press. I sent the email I received about this book on to friends. Sorry, about the mistake.

I LOVE CHILDREN'S BOOKS AND INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERS: I want to share both with you, one special book KNIT POBBLE MITTENS, by Simon Van Booy and illustrated by Wendy Edelson. Beautiful illustrated Winter scenes and the story of a lost mitten and the joy several animals found it to help keep them warm. Kids will love it and there is a mitten pattern where they can learn how to knit a pair of warm cozy mittens for themselves or for a friend. I have always wanted to learn to knit, maybe I'll try my hand at it. Pattern by Bev Qualheim. Click on http://www.flashlightpress.com/ to check out KNIT POBBLE MITTENS and all the other neat books.

Check out http://www.arkansaswriters.com/ and http://www.arkansaswomenbloggers.com/
To help you change your VHS movies to DVD you can find a converter at Radio Shack.

Yesterday, was a beautiful warm sunny day - a day of joyful events. I had an enjoyable
lunch at 178 with several friends which three were celebrating birthdays. Laughter and
creative ideas and future plans were whirling about the table. Three of us with 22 more
authors will be at the library Sunday to show, sell, and sign our books. The fun part is
visiting.

That afternoon I went for a walk to check out what Christmas decorations neighbors were displaying to photograph later and to check on my little duck on the pond. It appeared lonely
by itself as it swam toward me it shared a little voice that I hadn't heard before.

Drove down to the White River, then on to Gastons White River Resort to see their
Christmas displays. Boy! That place was hopping.


Enterprise printing Company Inc.,
870-445-4571 http://www.enterpriseprintingweb.com/

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

FROM OUR HOUSE.

This can be the day you and your guest

make a list "A Blessing List." Share

them one by one.

What a thankful day it will be!

BOOK SALE at Baxter County Library Thursday 17, Friday 18, and Saturday 19th.
Ozarks Writers League all day event filled with speakers is Saturday 19th, at the College of the Ozarks. Twin Lakes Writers will be selling their books at this week-end craft fair at the Baxter County Fairgrounds.

I am sorry, I was unable to get a good photo of the three wonderful creative wood burning panels of ducks in nature. Each one is 2x6 created by artist Carole Tormey Jones of Yellville, Arkansas. They are on display at Toll House Antiques & Gifts in Cotter. While you are there check out my book, Ozarks Sunrises.

Information to check for writers who want to be published. I hope this blog post helps you find information that will protect you from getting burned.

Writer Beware (R) Blogs http://accrispin.blogspot.com
http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware

Velda Brotherton - Being a Writer http://vbrotherton.blogspot.com

SPAWN ( Small Publishers,Artist and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org

Directory of ePublishers, Electronic Publishers http://ebookcrossroads.com/epublishers.html

My book blog: http://marynidasmithbooks.blogspot.com

I am back from the shadows of darkness reaching for the stars of hope. My monitor died a slow death last month where I was unable to reach the outside world for a couple of weeks. With the support of my family I am back. Where would we be without a loving family?

Dave Butts of BBS Computer Sales and Systems Services, Inc., Mountain Home (870) 425-9467
came out to my studio hooked up a large screen flat monitor (my son left me). I love it! It is like having new glasses where I can see more clearly. He hooked up my Skype ( my grandson and family gave me) to be able to see and keep in touch with them who are so far away. Plus, my newly purchased EPSON -Perfection V330 Photo that scans documents to edit, slides, film strips, and negatives into photos. I am looking forward to developing my slides into photos to be used with my books and poems I have finished and others I am working on. Also, photo essays for magazines. I still have things to clear up on the computer and then I am off and running toward my goals. It is hard to kill the dreams of a dreamer when they have been blessed by God.

I recieved a beautiful arrangement from my daughter Margeret and family-filled with bright colors of Fall that brighten up the house. Today, is the start of another day to believe in myself and go forward.

HALLOWEEN IN THE WOODLAND GARDEN
(c) All photographs copyrighted by Mary Nida Smith

Children's Story contest associated with the book and movie "The Help" was won by Darcy Pattison. Her story was tiled "11 Ways to Ruin a Photograph." To read more click on http://11waystoruinaphotograph.com and http://susieyakowiez.suite101.com/the-help-movie-inspires-new-childrens-story-contest-a382884 Suite101.com Don't forget Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., on PBS.

CHECK OUT MY NEW BLOG: http://marynidasmithbooks.blogspot.com

It is a beautiful time of the year to enjoy and take photos. The landscapes colorful display is brighter and fuller this year. I did a lot of mess-ups yesterday trying to create my blog to promote my published & unplublished books/big and small. I am now following and talking to three Gray Treefrogs hanging around my house.

Did anyone see author Darcy Pattison last Friday night on PBS "On the Same Page?" She was wonderful. Her lastest book is "Prairie Storms" from Sylvan Dell Publishing. She will be on again this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Don't miss it! Darcy started the first SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrator) in Arkansas.

Don't forget OWAIC (Ozarks Writers and Illustrators for Children) will hold their meeting
in Springfield,MO.

Kim Crow Sheaner, Community Outreach Coordinator for Donald W. Reynolds Library, Mountain Home , Arkansas did a great job taking a picture of the Friends of the Library officers. It was on KTLO.com, k26tv.com, and in The Baxter Bulletin newspaper.

I picked up my books today: Ozarks Sunrises: photos & free verse poetry - A small gift book to be given for all occasions. This was something I could accomplish using one hand after I had surgery May 13th on my broken arm. It was a bad break that can take up to a year to heal. I still may need to have another pin put in. But, I am pushing forward.

Now, I need to create that new blog I had mentioned before just for my books, I have published and I am working on. I will share my mistakes and my progress. I'll place the price of my gift book and where to purchase it. I haven't figured what I will charge yet. We all need encouragement. When I need it a writer or illustrator will call or email me, and I will be encouraged to keep doing what I love to do, and to share with others.

Deer grazing in my woodland garden

.

FREEDOM LIMITED

© By Mary Nida Smith

In zoos

animals

run free

behind fences.

Antelopes

on open range

no longer roam.

Deer run free

in restricted forest.

Buffalo roam free

not near ranches

where cattle feed.

Wolves run free.

All the people said,

not by me

Poll: 2nd Annual Hall of Fame Poet, Adult

OZARKS CREATIVE WRITERS IS OCTOBER 6-8 in Eureka Springs check their website http://www.ozarkscreativewriters.org/

NOVEMBER 5 IS MISSOURI CONFLUENCE CONFERENCE SCBWI check http://moscbwi.org/

Watch for my upcoming book blog I am creating to promote and share what books I am self-publishing and submitting to traditional publishers.
OZARKS SUNRISES is my first in a line of gift books for all occasions - Thank you gifts, stocking stuffers, a thinking of you gifts in the mail, office gifts, get well and birthdays gifts, just to name a few. It will arrive in about three weeks. It was published by Enterprise Printing Company. Inc., Bull Shoals, Arkansas. On this blog I will share where you can purchase it, the cost and where you will find me doing signings. Stay tuned for updates.

I am sadly disappointed to hear the Twin Lakes Writers will no longer be meeting at our new Donald W. Reynolds Library. To learn more continue to read.

Monday September 19, 2011 -10:30 am, I attended my monthly board meeting of The Friends of the Library, where I heard the latest news about the Twin Lakes Writers.

The FOL is the only membership I continued to be involved with after May 10th when I fractured my left arm above the elbow and on the 13th; I had surgery where the doctor placed a plate with pins to hold the bone together. It was inserted through my shoulder; it continues to heal. So, I was unable to continue at that time as president of the group that I had founded March 1998. My vice-president was kind enough to be the president.

The library supported our writers group in so many ways. We had a large beautiful room with a podium and a speaker, plus a large screen for a “Power Point” presentation. December 4th the library will continue to sponsor “Local Authors Day.” To learn more click on http://www.baxlib.org
Go to their calendar on Sunday Dec 4th sign up to reserve a space and be mentioned in their press releases.

Watch for my new blog or website to announce information on books I am self-publishing, submitting to traditional publishers and books I am rewriting. I will be announcing my new book that will be released in 3-4 weeks. So continue to tune in to see what is happen as I try to go forward in a world of the unexpected.

Arkansas SCBWI Fall
Retreat 2011:
November 4-6, 2011
St. Scholastica Retreat Center, Fort Smith http://www.arkansasscbwi.org
This year's retreat is open to all writers working seriously toward publication. Space is limited.
The 15th annual Arkansas SCBWI Fall Retreat for Writers of Children's Literature will feature hands-on workshops led by Stacy Cantor Abrams, editor at Walker Books for Young Readers, and guidance on craft issues by Anna Myers. At the retreat, writers will learn techniques to strengthen their works-in-progress, submissions and writing skills.
Registered attendees will submit pages from a manuscript in advance (by Oct. 1) and receive feedback from the editor at the retreat. Instructions will be emailed to those who are registered.
Cost is $280, which includes private rooms with shared bath, meals, snacks and all sessions.Semi-private rooms with shared bath are available if you would like to room with a friend.Accommodations are retreat like with no phone or television in rooms. Television and phone service are available in the lounge area.
Reservations are on a first come, first served basis.
Registration is currently open for previous attendees and SCBWI members who requested information. Please email the Retreat Director for registration instructions.

SCBWI & OWAIC SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
The information below is provided by Naomi Shaw, President OWAIC. (Naomi has worked hard to provide this group for writers who love to write & illustrate for children. I love this group. Thanks to you Naomi & your members for providing us monthly meetings and the best annual summer workshops.Mary Nida Smith)

It has been a great privilege to get to know all of you and be a part of your writing and illustrating career. I look forward to staying in contact with you in the future and continuing to be a part of OWAIC. However, I've come to a point where I have to make the decision to step out of the leadership role. OWAIC will continue to meet at the Library Station on the first Saturday of the month. But, I will no longer be able to make arrangements for programs, reminders, or the workshops. In the last five years our group has grown in numbers and in the craft. OWAIC meets a need in the region that currently has not been met by any other organization. Still, with the appointment of our very own Joyce Ragland as the Regional Assistant for Missouri SCBWI, we have a unique opportunity. We could "merge" our local group. Many are members of SCBWI now. Membership in SCBWI would not be a criterion for attendance. Joyce is willing to become involved with our OWAIC group in a leadership role as a facilitator until if/when someone else wants to lead the local group.

OWAIC would retain its identity for now as long as the GROUP wants to continue.

WHERE--The Library Station is reserved through the end of this year and we have our name in for next year.

JANIE--Will be stepping down from her role as planner and organizer for now, but will post announcements and updates on the website. Author J.B. Cheaney

DIRECTION--The group will retain its unique identity. Your creativity will continue to be encouraged and developed into marketable work. We have asked Joyce Ragland and Janet Weber (the Assistant RA) to bring their vision and resources, which are significant, to the group. Individual members of the group would need to take responsibility for some logistics.

OWAIC has assets. You are the biggest asset. Your desire to produce great literature, your willingness to share your time and experience, and your respect for each other cannot be quantified. Plus, we have established a great relationship with the Library Station and the Library Center.

SCBWI is the largest international organization promoting children's authors and illustrators on the planet. I feel our group will be in good company to share when we can at a local level.

Saturday,October 1, I hope all of you that can attend will attend and make the most of this new arrangement. I look forward to seeing all of you again as often as I can.

I will not be giving your contact information to Joyce automatically. If you would like to stay involved at the local level, please share your contact information with Joyce at JCRagland@gmail.com. Mention OWAIC in your subject line please. She looks forward to hearing from you. Or, if you prefer to attend the October meeting to see/hear more about the revised OWAIC, that is fine.

Thank you and God Bless,
Naomi Shaw

Donald W. Reynolds Library, Mountain Home, AR Children's Library has acquired two of Carole Tormey Jones, Artist/Illustrator's art work of the "Cotter Otter" now hanging on their wall for all to enjoy. Carole's prints and other paintings can be found at Toll House Antiques and Gifts in Cotter Arkansas.

Carole's paintings can be found in the homes of numerous collectors all over the world. She grew up in the horse country of Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York.

I am pleased to say, Carole is a dear friend of mine. She is very active creating greeting cards, books, wood burning art and other artistic works.

Is life what we make it? When we get rejection letters as a writer do we say the heck with it and quit, or do we head out to our creative area and say, "I am not a quitter." Remember do not measure yourself with the accomplishments of others or you will fail. Be true to who you are, do not pretend to be someone you are not. Life is more fun and less stressful being who you are - a fun loving person filled with many things to share.

Check out Jan Fields website http://www.janfields.com Read articles, computer help, read all links, list of kids magazines accepting submissions, and a list of magazines that have folded(Dead Zone).

Blogging is important to make connects and to collect helpful information, but traffic slows down during the summer and facebook becomes more popular.
First a website, a blog, facebook, and now twitter. Are we spending more time connecting while our writing/illustrating takes a backseat? How do we keep focused on our projects first? Our writings and other projects is what brought people to connect with us and will keep them coming back. My readers, what are your thoughts on this?

One foggy Fall morning

(c) Photo by Mary Nida Smith
I ventured to peacock land
to discover a peacock
dressed in greens and blues
sitting waiting for the sun
to rise.

Welcome to the Missouri Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators! Whether you are new to publishing or you are a seasoned professional, you can find help and support in the Missouri SCBWI. Our goal is to help writers and illustrators interested in traditional publishing.

• We offer conferences, workshops, critique groups, and retreats all designed to help you in your publishing career. We are a regional chapter of the international organization of SCBWI. To join go to www.scbwi.orgTake a tour of our website!


• Check out the events page to learn about upcoming workshops, retreats and conferences. There is always something new going on so check back often! If you are interested in having your manuscript reviewed, you may want to read the information on critique groups.


• Enter the Missouri Mentorship competition to win the opportunity to have a published author or illustrator mentor you for an entire year!


• Discover the latest industry and state information in our newsletter; MO Scribbles, and learn about Missouri Authors and Illustrators on the featured member page.If you have questions, we'd like to help!
  


• Contacts:Missouri Regional Advisor - Joyce Ragland jcragland2011@gmail.comAssistant Regional Advisor - Janet Lloyd Weber jlloydweber@yahoo.com
  Regional Advisor Emeritus - Sue Bradford Edwards suebradfordedwards@yahoo.comMentorship Coordinator - Donna Bateman dbateman.scbwi@gmail.com

WRITERS INFORMATION:
http://creativecommons.org/ Place Creative Commons' logo on your website and blog for copyright notice.

Buy a flashdrive or a flash card to store files on. It can be used to move files from the desktop to the laptop. The first Thursday of each month from 1-4 pm the Twin Lakes Computer group meet in the Knox Community Room in the Donald W. Reynolds Library, Mountain Home, AR.

WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT:
http://www.writersandeditors.com/
http://www.newpages.com/blogs/writers-blogs
http://www.ehow.com/print/how_4481350_cover-graphics-ms-word-internet.html HOW TO CREATE COOL BOOK REPORT COVER GRAPHICS WITH MS WORD AND THE INTERNET.

PHOTO CONTEST: THE YEAR OF THE BAT! http://www.yearofthebat.org/
http://www.batcon.org/ I enjoy watching bats during the evening and early morning catching the little creatures that kiss me with the itching death.

WRITERS MEETINGS:
TWIN LAKES WRITERS AUGUST 13TH http://www.twinlakeswriters.org
OZARKS WRITERS LEAGUE AUGUST 19-20th http://www.ozarkswritersleague.org

Saturday, July 30th I attended the all day OWAIC 3rd annual workshop at The Library Center in Springfield, Mo. I rode with my friend Laurel (Lonnie) Sheridan who has written for children’s magazines and has finished two teen novels. A large group came to learn, fellowship, and have a one-on-one, 10-minute manuscript critiqued with Editor Paula Morrow. I took one and she was very helpful and I enjoyed my ten minutes with her. There was also about ten one pages handed in for a critique read by the speakers, Vicki Grove, Cheryl Harness and Janie (J.B.) Cheaney. All the one pages submitted were good. We all learned from all the helpful comments.

Ms. Morrow shared a lot of good information on writing and marketing.
I purchased Cheryl’s coloring book. She writers and illustrates historical books for children.

Check out these websites:
http://www.paulamorrow.com
http://www.boxingdaybooks.com
http://www.cherylharness.com
Vicki Grove http://www.vickigrove.com
http://mowrites4kidsdrury.edu/authors
J.B. Cheaney http://www.jbcheaney.com
Ink Think Tank – Nonfiction Authors in Your Classroom
I.N.K. Blog – http://Inkrethink.blogspot.com

I only wished I could have taken my camera, but with one arm for now, it would have been difficult. I was so happy to be out enjoying myself. Tomorrow back to therapy.

No, Sassafras does not live in any of these. He lives in the background birdhouses
that have rough weathered boards that remind him of tree bark.




(c) photo by Mary Nida Smith

Information on agents:

http://www.writers.net/agents
http://www.sfwa.org-authors/writer-beware/agents
AAR- Association of Authors' Representatives at http://aarline.org
place literary agents in Google search for more information

OZARK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS FOR CHILDREN

2011 ANNUAL SUMMER WORKSHOP
"Good Versus Great"

July 29-30 are the dates, The Library Center in Springfield is the place. Get ready for a full day (and a fun-filled evening) of information and inspiration!

FULL SCHEDULE, FEES, DOWNLOADABLE REGISTRATION FORM, and CRITIQUE GUIDELINES AVAILABLE AT THE OWAIC WEBSITE: OWAIC.ORG

THE STORYBOOK PROJECT AT NORTH CENTRAL UNIT PRISON/CALICO ROCK

A man is reading Pinocchio to his son. The boy is miles away, and the man is reading into a digital recorder. He is an inmate in a state prison. The Storybook Project will mail the book and the recording to the child. The goal is “to keep families connected through reading.”

Warden David White has invited The Storybook Project to the North Central Unit in Calico Rock. He predicts about 200 inmates will want to participate each year.

The Storybook Project/North Central Unit will hold its first meeting
Thursday, July 21, 6:00 p.m.
Calico Rock Cumberland Presbyterian Church
692 Highway 56E

Pat Oplinger of Cherokee Village will discuss the program her group has run at the Newport Correctional Facility for the past thirteen years. Warden White and Accreditation Specialist Gary Teague will discuss how the program will be implemented at the North Central Unit.

Susan Varno has volunteered to start this new program. “The Storybook Project is a way for people in Izard, Baxter and Stone Counties to thank the prisoners for the work they have done in our communities: cleaning up after the ice storm and floods, repairing city streets, helping rebuild the Wolf House and more.”

If The Storybook Project completes 100 recordings twice a year, the Project must raise about $2000 annually. Initially they will have to raise an extra $1500 to buy digital recorders and at least 300 books.

At the meeting, committees will be set up for fundraising, book buying, making the recordings at the prison and mailing the books and recordings. Anyone from Baxter, Izard or Stone County interested in this project should attend the meeting or contact Susan Varno at svarno@hughes.net or 870-297-4223.

CHILDREN'S WRITER(R) POETRY OR VERSE STORY WRITING CONTEST -GRAND PRIZE $500 AND REWARDS TO BE PUBLISHED IN CHILDREN'S WRITER, CASH PRIZES, WINNERS' CERTIFICATES, AND VALUABLE TRAINING IN DISCIPLINED WRITING. FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.thechildrenswriter.com

Janice Votsmier is the new president of Twin Lakes Writers in Mountain Home, Arkansas. The writers meet at the Donald W Reynolds Library each month. they are designing a website at http://sites.google.com/sites/twinlakeswriters

ARKANSAS'S MOST CREATIVE FINE ARTIST AND ILLUSTRATOR - CAROLE T. JONES http://Sun-e-daleKoll.com You will find her art for sale at Toll House Antiques & Gifts 102 Combs Avenue, Cotter, AR

TOO MANY OBLIGATIONS CAN STOP YOUR GOALS FROM MOVING FORWARD.

Needed Recipes for Kids Cookbook:

Submit a recipe a kid can create on its own including a photo of your pet
to:
Sun-e-dale Knoll
Box 735
Yellville, AR 72687-8562

This is a non-paying market
Thank you!

HAPPY 4TH 2011

(C) by Mary Nida Smith

DONALD W. REYNOLDS LIBRARY, MOUNTAIN HOME, ARKANSAS

Arkansas Libraries License Plate - Winning Design by Library Staffer Baxter County Library’s very own, Kathe Altazan, created the winning design in a contest sponsored by the Arkansas Library Association for an Arkansas Libraries front license plate. The Arkansas Libraries plates are now available for purchase. They are made from a pliable, heavy-duty plastic and are intended for use on the front of your vehicle only. They are NOT state license plates. Show your support for Arkansas Libraries by purchasing a plate for $20.00 at the Library today!

WHITE COUNTY CREATIVE WRITERS 16th ANNUAL WRITER'S CONFERENCE http://www.whitecountycreativewriters.org

WRITERS GROUPS ARE ON BLOGGER OR FACEBOOK - OZARKS WRITERS LEAGUE AND
OZARK WRITERS INC.

FOR YOUR COMPUTER NEEDS GERALDINE BUTTS 425-9467 http://www.bbscomp.com

3rd Annual PAL Art Expo Show
July 11-15, 2011

The P.A.L.’s Fine Art Gallery
Palette Art League
300 Hwy 62 West
Yellville, Ar 72687
870-405-6316

www.paletteartleague.org
Info@paletteartleague.org

Business Hours:
Tuesday thru Saturday
10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

The Oxford American magazine and Winthrop Rockefeller Institute are collaborating to host the inaugural Oxford American Summit for Ambitious Writers on June 21–26, 2011, on top of breathtaking Petit Jean Mountain in Arkansas. With distinguished faculty and guest lecturers, this 5-day event will inspire participants, through innovative programming led by top-flight publishing experts, to sharpen and deepen their literary skills. http://summit.oxfordamerican.org/registration

PROMISE

© by Mary Nida Smith

The word of love
Friends forever
A guarantee
Easily broken
Cross your heart
Hope to die
Sworn to love
Death do us part
Shouldn’t be said
If easily broken
For part of the heart
Dies and promises
Blow in the wind.

TWIN LAKES WRITERS MEET SATURDAY, JUNE 11 FROM 1-3 P.M., AT THE DONALD W. REYNOLDS LIBRARY IN KNOX COMMUNITY ROOM A. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL VICE-PRESIDENT JANICE VOTSMIER 870-424-4202 OR EMAIL VOTS@SUDDENLINK.NET

JUNE 4, SATURDAY OZARKS WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS FOR CHILDREN

Louise Jackson will SHOW US THE DOOR...to Editors and Publishers. The door to most editors/publishers is through the medium of a successful query letter. Louise will help OWAIC members learn how to be more effective at getting through that initial door. She'll be talking about constructing an effective query letter at the June meeting. Come prepared to look at some query letters that worked, some that didn't, and try your hand at writing one yourself.

The meeting will be at the LIBRARY STATION, in the Children's Story Room, from 9:00-11:00am with a critique session to follow. (Please contact me at providencepark@wildblue.net if you have a critique and don't know our guidelines.)

Two important dates to remember this summer ***July 29th & 30th Dinner and Workshop with Paula Morrow, Judy Young, and Vicki Grove. I have sent brochures to some of you through the mail. Please share with a friend or post it to the local newspaper. We need your help in getting the word out. This may be our strongest workshop so far! The brochure should be posted on our website now, or soon. www.owaic.org for details.

If you are able to attend and want to take advantage of a one-on-one critique with Paula Morrow, please check the brochure for guidelines and deadlines. Your critique must be submitted by June 30th, 2011.

Help!
You have helped us each year have a successful workshop. This year, as in the past, we need you again. First, we need promotion. Please let me know if you could get the news out. I can get extra brochures to you. Tell a friend, tell a teacher, a librarian, a writer or illustrator.

We will also need help with refreshments and organization when the time gets closer. Please let me know if you are available. providencepark@wildblue.net I really appreciate it.

Blessings to all,
Naomi Shaw

FAMILY CONNECTION-- I know over the years members of the Nida/Niday family since Lewis Nida who wrote history books for schools have been writers/authors and after my accident I received a message from one asking for my uncle's book - The Niday Family House. Check out Ellie's website http://www.louellabryant.com She is the author of adult, teen and picture books.

Hi friends. I miss you all. I hope to start posting again soon. I had all my shoulder stitches remove last Wednesday. It feels better. Take care and stay well. Mary Nida

n c children's writers and illustrators has been canceled until further notice - no blogging workshop may 28

Janice will hold twin lakes writers meeting.

I have a spiral humerus fracture from falling on my left arm may 10th. I had surgery may 11 to place a rod in my arm.

sorry everyone
mary nida

my husband had surgery may 16 -replaced his heart pacer for another 5 years.

A new week, a new start to enjoy the moment and create. Mother's Day the sun was high in the sky bringing warmth to the earth. This morning the ever changing sky provided me with several changing scenes - from sunrise to storm clouds/beautiful! Check my facebook for a new photo I took on a foggy morning last week. Another fun morning walk.

David's new word "Promise" for the month of May. I have my poem "No Promise" up on ADULT "W.O.M." at http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com/adult-word-of-the-month-poem

SHORT SHORT STORY - up to 2,000words
SHORT STORY - 2,000-8,000 words
NOVELLA - 8,000-40,000 words
NOVELS - 50,000 and up
CHECK PUBLISHERS GUIDELINES.

Check out http://www.kidsreads.com Read kid's book in the genre you want to write.
Learn by reading. Write down the parts used in the books you read.
Title: Is it interesting and why did they chose this title?
Strong opening:
Setting:
Main Character profile:
Protagonist profile:
Secondary character profile:
Characters - think of them as actors in different setting on a stage or movie.
Point of view: Who is telling the story ?

• Third person is the narrator not a character in the story


• First person is a character in the story

What part does each character play in the story?
Voices -how each character has his own in dialogue.
What conflict is created to make this story interesting?
The writer creates mood through setting, characters, and descriptive details.
What did you like or dislike about the book/story?
How many words?
What grade or age group?
Who is the publisher?
If you like the way the book was written check out this author's website
for more helpful insight.
A very good book on this for beginners is "Extraordinary Short Story Writing" by
Steven Otfinoski

Information on self-publishing http://self-publishingresources.com

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

to the best mother
who loved
her nine kids
with all her heart.
She taught us love,
patience,
to dream,
to enjoy life,
and to smile.
Most of all
she introduced us
to God
who has been our strength
in troublesome times.
Heaven has been blessed
to add Mom as one of the
angels in heaven.

OZARKS WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS FOR CHILDREN meet May 7th in Springfield, Missouri. For more information go to http:///www.owaic.org I am a member of this group and I support it even if I am unable to be their because of our meeting " NC Children's Writers & Illustrators" in Mountain Home, AR., on that date. They have a great summer workshop coming up the last of July. If all goes well I'll be there with bells on.

A Pet for Miss Wright just released! Miss Wright is an author and it's a lonely job, so she seeks a pet to keep her company. She tries out several, but the pet she ends up with not only keeps her company, but also helps her through the writing process. I've attached information about it. Please forward this to all the teachers at your school as this would make a great addition to their classroom and individual libraries.

If you or your teachers are going to the IRA Conference in Orlando, stop my the Sleeping Bear Press exhibits. I'll be there signing A Pet for Miss Wright, as well as my other spring release A Book for Black-Eyed Susan.Enjoy A Pet for Miss Wright! Judy Young-- Judy Young Award-Winning Author of Children's Books For information about Books, School Visits and Teacher Workshops, go to:www.judyyoungpoetry.com6155 E. Farm Road 132Springfield, MO 65802(417) 866-1800
LOTS OF NEWS!!! TWO NEW SPRING TITLES!A Pet for Miss Wright released April 1st (no fooling!) A Book for Black-Eyed Susan released in February!
* The Hidden Bestiary of Marvelous, Mysterious, and (maybe even) Magical Creatures 2012 LA Young Readers Choice Award Nominee * The Lucky Star
2011 MO Show Me Award Nominee * Minnow and Rose
2012 NY Charlotte Award Suggested Reading List
2012 MO Show Me Readers Award Nominee
2011 PA Keystone to Reading Book Award Nominee
2011 AL Camillia Book Award Nominee
2011 DE Diamonds Book Award Nominee
2010 Storytelling World Award For Author Updates Become a Facebook Fan Judy Young Books