Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Who purchased my 6x6 painting?

What a wonderful surprise note I received from President Stephen Johnson, Free Verse Poetry Group yesterday. He forwarded a note from The Talk of the Town (KTLO) host Debby Stanuch stating she had purchased four 6x6 paintings at the ORAC 6x6 Auction, one was mine. Since I was unable to attend I wondered who purchased mine. It was a joy to know and I am grateful she supported ORAC.

Went I agreed to enter, I hadn't painted in 15 years since I moved from Siloam Springs where I was the Siloam Springs Artist Guild president. I wanted to return to painting - one of my many creative loves. But, I felt like a fish out of water. I panicked and ran scared as I searched through my old acrylic tubes where several had to be thrown away. I didn't want to buy new until I knew I could draw and paint as I use to. So, I used what I had. I do have watercolor paints for this is what I love to use and colored pencils, but they couldn't be used, it had to be acrylic.

Between being a member of the Ozarks Regional Arts Council, Area Art Club, Bull Shoals Art Club, Donald W. Reynolds Library and Creative Writers & Illustrators I hope to continue with their support in the creative world.

,

Saturday, November 02, 2013

PICTURE BOOK MONTH

Blog Name: Picture Book Month
Blog URL: http://picturebookmonth.com

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Busy Days and Busy Days Ahead

Just a little of what I have been up to that I never got around to placing on Facebook.

When the weather report was announced that the temperature was dropping to freezing I gathered up my potted plants where I place them in the enclosed summer porch where they will stay all winter. I proceeded to bring in to the garage my large fern by removing it from the larger decorative empty pot to trim it back when I discover Sassafras inside the empty container. Sassafras is a little Gray Tree Frog that was my friend last summer. Sass was a baby when I discovered him and photographed him all summer in different places and poses. The cutting was discontinued and the fern carefully placed back in the large container as Sass moved up the wall out of harm’s way. I will miss him this winter and his family that greeted me with a song in the mornings as I walked to the paper box.

Friday morning I stopped at the Midway Fire Department garage sale where I purchased a small table and four chairs. Now, I need to donate my large dining table and six chairs. We continued out to the place where ORAC was holding the 6x6 art action Saturday evening. I was unable to attend Saturday night so I placed several bids for the ones I wanted and on my own. Then, I stayed while Eileen Preston picked up donated flowers from several florist and helped Debby Lively ORAC president until 4 p.m. when Eileen returned with beautiful fall flowers.

Saturday morning I volunteered at the Baxter County Library for a couple of hours during kids mousetrap car races. I had an enjoyable time.

After two weeks without seeing Prissy, she came one morning to enjoy a little corn with one mother, a yearling and two fawn friends acting like colts on a spring morning. The young ones were playing as if they felt safe and free from there hold-up spot down below the forest covered hills hiding from the bow hunters.

Sunday morning we went to church and I had a restful afternoon.

Monday, two members of Creative Writers & Illustrators came to the studio to work on a pre-teen novel and other things. We accomplished critiquing three chapters. Several were left for me to read from both writers. They realize I am very busy so they were kind enough not to put any pressures on me to finish. I will be my best.

Today, Tuesday October 29, I and Stephen Johnson, president of the Free Verse Poetry Group met at KTLO radio station where we promoted our group’s latest poetry CD “Driftwood” on the program TALK OF THE TOWN. Stephen did great and I hope I was okay. It was fun.

Soon as I post this on my one blog I’ll be onto the next step in my minutes I have left in this day. Remember, Saturday, November 2, Creative Writers and Illustrators meet at 1 p.m. at the Baxter County Library

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Ozarks Writers League

Shutting down for the night, so I can get some work done away from the studio. At 2 p.m. I was heading to the art room - I never got there. Gathered up the garbage, watered and fed my plants, did some work in the kitchen and laundry room, made reservations for next month to attend the Ozarks Writers League (only two rooms left and I had to reserve a suite). Banquet one night to celebrate their anniversary. I joined I believe in 1993 - only group around at that time. It has been a great help to me.

Editing my short story and hopefully work in my art room tonight.
I had a great day, hope you did too.

Monday, September 30, 2013

FREE VERSE POETRY GROUP

Booklet inside bios and information
On back a list of poets and their poems.

The Free Verse Group of Mountain Home announces the release of their second audio compilation of original poetry. 'DRIFTWOOD'. The production features 32 original poems

by 16 area poets. The groups first CD 'EXPRESSIONS'(2008) sold-out, and is in its 2nd printing.

May, the group awarded a scholarship to a graduating Senior [Colleen Queary - MHHS -'13], using profits from 'EXPRESSIONS' sales. Future profits from sale of both CD's are designated to
perpetuate the annual scholarship. Providing individualized instrumental accompaniment for each track, 'DRIFTWOOD' producer Ron Miller also edited, and contributed artistically to the
project. Windsong Press's Alathea Daniels provided the cover design, and insert - which includes poet's biographies.
'DRIFTWOOD' subject matter, as eclectic as the poem's writers, ranges from - days with grandchildren, the pain of patriotism, cultural musings, senility, and - as might be expected . . . an overtone of admiration for nature. To learn more, or to purchase [@ $10.00 apiece]

'EXPRESSIONS' [2008], or 'DRIFTWOOD' [2013]

please contact us at (870) 425-8963, or

watermarkstudio@hotmail.com
Or Mary Nida Smith at marynida@suddenlink.net I have them for sale for $10. Plus $2.50 for postage. I had the honor to read two of my poems on this beautiful CD

Sunday, September 22, 2013

LOCAL AUTHORS DAY DECEMBER 8, 2013

ATTENTION LOCAL BOOK AUTHORS - December 8, 2013 1-4 p.m.Donald w. Reynolds Library, Mountain Home - information below. I'll be there, will you? Thanks Bobby for the correct date.

Fill out the information below and click on Complete Registration at the bottom of the page to register for this event. If you do not have an email address, type in signup@baxlib.org


Local Author Book Sale & Signing Event
Email a friend Notify me Print Download to calendar
Event Type: Intergenerational Age Group(s): Adults, Adults Date: 12/8/2013 Start Time: 1:00 PM End Time: 4:00 PM Description: The Library will showcase local authors at this holiday book sale and signing event. Meet neighbors who are authors and have them autograph your purchases. Books make great gifts, so shop locally and support talented local authors! Authors: please register for booth space beginning November 1. Space will be available on a 1st come 1st served basis. Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter County Location: Knox Rooms A+B+Great Hall Registration Ends: 12/6/2013 at 10:00 AM Other Information: Authors: please register for booth space beginning November 1. Space will be available on a 1st come 1st served basis. Early registrants (up to 20) receive an entire 6' table. Wait listed registrants will receive either a 6' (if only 5 are wait listed) or a 3' table space (if 10 are wait listed. The maximum number of "booths" is 30. Max. # of chairs for 6' table = 2 per registrant. Max. # of chairs for 3' table = 1 per registrant. Contact: Kathe Altazan Contact Number: 870-580-0987 x2975 Status: Openings

Please Note
Attendee MUST Give 24 HOUR Cancellation Notice to Allow Others on the Waiting List to Attend. Space is limited. If you no call/no show TWICE for ANY events for which you are registered, you will automatically be placed on a waiting list for all future activities.

We're sorry. The first registration date for this event is scheduled for 11/1/2013 at 10:00 AM.
Please come back and register at that time.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Life is a Balancing Act

I wrote part of this on Facebook and it flew away before I was able to click post. After finishing this I tried to make some changes , it wouldn't lets me. I tried three times and the post disappear. This is my last try.

The Arkansas Ozarks hills are filled with numerous creative artists. Thursday, I attended the Area Art Club at Hill Country Gallery on the Mountain Home square.

I enjoyed our member Margie Payton’ presentation on Collage Art; Margie and Jeanie Roth have an art show at the gallery. Last night I dropped in to see Dana Johnson’s beautiful painting exhibit at the Palette Art Gallery in Yellville.

Saturday, September 21, Free verse Poets CD “Driftwood” will be released

and I am looking forward to listening to 16 poets read two poems each. I enjoyed their first CD “Expressions.” I didn’t read on the first one, but I was honored to read two on the second recording.

I am putting together all my finished writings in different genres, editing and filing

with guidelines of different publishers and magazines to submit, one at a time. If this is supposed to be I’ll be published, if not, another road will open up for me to travel.

It is difficult balancing everything. Just finished laundry, lunch, and there are a few more projects to do before a busy week ahead. The main thing to get behind me is workman from Hopper’s coming Tuesday and Wednesday to spray wash the house and deck, clean gutters, repair and stain the deck. If this works out there are a few more small jobs need to be done outside and inside the house before winter.

I have the greatest artist who paints the sky encouraging and directing me. Without Him, I am nothing.

Monday, September 09, 2013

Rules for Critique Groups

by Rhonda M. Hall

I have belonged to a writing group for close to nineteen years. We debated back and forth for a long time about the need for rules. Years ago, I took our real rules and twisted them a bit.

GENERAL RULES
We welcome all genres but the following: pornography, erotica, and non-fiction of any kind, and anything we don’t like.

Don’t discuss personal matters during the meeting, it’s not fair to rub your fantastic life into our faces. We’re here for one reason and one reason only, to ruin your life as you know it. When you leave the room crying we have met our goal. If you become a “regular,” you’ll get a members’ list with everyone’s telephone number, address, and electronic address for stalking purposes only. You can use these to keep your gossip greased or whine about these rules.

READINGS

Sessions on the first Wednesday of the month are reserved for readings only–no lessons. During the rest of the month, if there is time at the end of the meeting, members read portions of their works-in-progress. Tripping other members, so that you might take their spot is strictly forbidden, unless of course, I’m the one who doesn’t get to read.

The facilitator will determine the amount you may read. She/he also has the right to stop you if the work is offensive, inappropriate, or if you put us to sleep. If your work is putting everyone into a coma, congratulations you’ll probably be published in two months.

Don’t ask to read more than the allotted number of pages. (SELFISH) We don’t care if the Pulitzer deadline is just around the corner. You should plan ahead. Besides, we’re too wrapped up in wondering why we weren’t nominated to even listen. Please don’t take offense if members take out little dolls that look like you and stick pins in them. That pain in your neck is purely a coincidence. But not to worry, we have Chiropractors on retainer!

Do not explain your work. (Frankly, we don’t give a damn) If it requires explanation, then it isn’t ready for presentation. The setup should be included in the story. However, other members may ask that you bring them up to date. Do this as briefly as possible.(YAWN) We don’t need a psychological profile for each character, or for you, we don’t care that your mama spanked you.

Articulate and speak loudly. We can’t critique what we can’t hear. If you fail to comply, the rest of the evening will require you to stand at the podium on one foot while we eat your French fries.

Do not interrupt those reading. This includes acknowledging the arrival of another member or whispering to the person next to you. Miming is permissible. A giant wave of the hand and/or blowing a kiss is acceptable. The only time this rule may be ignored is when the individual entering the room is armed and appears to be hostile. (It only happened once, we swear.)

Don’t read something you’ve already read unless it has changed drastically and at least a year has gone by. (YAWN) Also please do not explain past critiques, we are critiquing what you just read, not what was written three years ago. If this is rewrite number forty-two, make it forty three!

If your piece has already been edited or published, leave it at home. It’s too late for us to be of any benefit and you’re wasting the time of those who want to get where you are. Don’t rub it in their faces. It’s not nice.(SOB, as in crying, not son of -B*****)

CRITIQUING

Critiquing begins with the person to the left of the reader and goes clockwise around the room. Critiques are usually written in brief form on notes which are given to the writer to mull or cry over later. On the first and third Wednesdays of the month, that fall into a month with an “R”, we go to the person on the right, spin and then we all shout. “THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT!”

Be truthful. (Or lie, like the rest of us.) Saying its National Book Award material when it wouldn’t even make it as casual bathroom reading won’t help the writer. Always include something positive. There’s always a plus in everyone’s effort. No, saying you’re glad they have finally finished reading doesn’t count.

If you are really at a loss for something nice to say, hide out in the bathroom with the rest of us.

Do not interrupt the individual critiquing. Wait your turn. You should have learned this in kindergarten. Once you become a member, your kindergarten teachers name must be forwarded to the facilitator, if you fail to comply, we will contact him/her.

Do not repeat a criticism already presented. Most members get it the first time. If they don’t get it, stand on your chair, shout and wring your hands.

If another member opposes your critique, don’t argue the point. The writer will decide what’s best, or probably ignore you anyway.

As the reader/author, do not debate the criticism. You can take it or leave it. Some of it is only opinion anyway. We prefer you take it and run with it. We like it when no talents take our ideas and steal them.

If you don’t understand, do not ask for a lesson until after the session. (Brown Noser) The facilitator or one of the other learned members can help you after the meeting.

The facilitator may schedule instruction in the problem area at a later date. Your kindergarten teacher will also be available. Many counseling sessions have taken place at Skyline Rest home. (They love us there.) In the meantime, research it yourself. It will be good for you.

Do not talk amongst yourselves while the critiquing is going on. Any note passing will result in the facilitator reading your note aloud to the entire class. You could learn something. Hard to believe, we know, but you really could. Also, if there is any gum chewing, please be sure you brought enough for everybody.

LOGISTICS

When a reader/author points to their head and says, “Internal,” they are indicating characters internal thoughts, not what they really think of you.” IE… “Internal, Point to the head, I hate it when John shows up for class.”

When a reader/author says, “Drop down, everyone will drop to the floor and put their hands behind their heads. (It stems from that one armed incident.) P.S. We love pulling this on the new-be’/ wanna’be’s.

If you refuse to follow any of the suggestions (improve), then stop coming. If you’re already perfect, you don’t need us and we don’t want to listen to you. Happy Writing!

END OF DOCUMENT http://rhondamhall.wordpress.com/2012/11/02/rules-for-critique-groups

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Saturday, September 07, 2013

I Will Soon Return.

Hopefully, I'll no longer drop out of sight when trying to post or send emails. I have been getting the run-around the past 3-4 years with problems with my internet server. They came last night fixed what they thought was the problem. My phone is receiving and sending calls. I have had a wonderful week with the art clubs. I have five photographs and a painting on display with the Area Art Club ORAC Exhibit at ASU-Veda Shied Community Canter. What a fun reception on Thursday. The exhibit will be up all of September and PAL will exhibit during October.

Donald W. Reynolds Library today from 1-3 p.m. you will discover the Creative Writers and Illustrators waiting for you to join them.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

WRITERS HALL OF FAME WORKSHOP

Get inspired! Get answers! Get going!

Start your writing life – or expand the one you have – at the 2013 Writers Workshop, “Nourishing the Writer Within,” sponsored by the Writers Hall of Fame. Get inspiration and useful tips from published authors, poets and journalists.

The 2013 Writers Workshop is 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, in the Library Center auditorium, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. Cost is $50 and includes a morning snack, refreshments and a box lunch. For age 16 and older. Registration is limited, so sign up early!

Workshop schedule:

8:30-9 a.m. Registration, refreshments and welcome

9-9:45 a.m. David Harrison “You Know You’re a Writer When…”

9:50-10:35 a.m. Veda Boyd Jones, “Important Elements of Writing A Novel: Which Comes First When Plotting a Novel? Setting, Characters, or Conflict?”

10:40-10:55 a.m. Break/Poems for Two Voices – David Harrison & audience members

11-11:45 Cecily White, “Developing Conflict and Finding Your Voice.”

11:50 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Lunch provided

12:35-1 p.m. Break/ Entertainment: The Byron Biggers Band

1-1:45 p.m. Jim Long, “Marketing What You Write: Magazines, to Online Publications, Books to Blogs.”

1:45-2:30 p.m. Ethan Bryan, Juliana Goodwin, Wes Johnson, “How to Write What’s Second Nature To You… and Not Get Lost in the Weeds.”

2:30-2:45 p.m. Break/entertainment by songwriter/guitarist Ethan Bryan

2:45-3:30 William Garvin, “An Ugly Little Story: Placing Family History in a Wider Context.”

3:30-4 p.m. Wrapping It Up: Panel and audience Q&A with the writers

**************************************

Register now for an inspiring day of Nourishing the Writer Within!

· Saturday, October 12, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Library Center auditorium, 4653 S. Campbell. For ages 16 and older.

· Registration fee: $50, includes morning snack, refreshments & box lunch

· Registration deadline: Friday, October 4, 2013. Seating is limited, sign up early!

Please print clearly

Name: ______________________________

Address: ____________________________

Daytime phone: ______________________

Email: ______________________________

Register online at writershalloffame.org or by mail and send this form and your completed check to: Kim Flores, 2256 S. Dollison Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807

For more information call Kathleen O’Dell, 616-0564 or email kathleeno@thelibrary.org.

Your workshop speakers:

David L. Harrison’s 89 books for young people and teachers have received dozens of honors, including the Christopher Medal for The Book of Giant Stories. His work has been translated into 12 languages and anthologized more than 125 times. David’s poem, “My Book,” is sandblasted into a library sidewalk in Phoenix and adorns a bookmobile in Pueblo, Colo. His poetry inspired the popular school play, “Somebody Catch My Homework.” The Missouri Librarian Association honored him with its Literacy Award for the body of his work. David has science degrees from Drury and Emory universities and honorary doctorate of letters from Missouri State and Drury universities. David Harrison Elementary School is named for him. He is Drury University’s poet laureate. See davidlharrison.com.

Veda Boyd Jones is a prolific writer, with 47 books and more than 500 articles and short stories to her name. Research skills are critical, Veda says. The skills she learned in school propelled the research she did for her nonfiction books and for details she needed for novels. She has written adult romance, children’s fiction and nonfiction for magazines, articles for reference books, middle-grade novels and nonfiction books for children, and books for first readers and high school students. See vedaboydjones.com.

Cecily White is the author of “Prophesy Girl.” She has enjoyed careers as a hand model, GAP salesgirl, movie projectionist, psychotherapist, yoga instructor, university professor, artist, dance choreographer, eating disorders specialist, psych diagnostician, book reviewer and copy editor – none of which, she says, are as much fun as writing novels. See cecilywhite.com.

Jim Long is the founder of Long Creek Herbs, and since 1987 has been in the business of herb gardening and writing books covering topics from herbal remedies to dream pillows. When he’s not traveling the world looking for interesting new plants, he is writing columns for gardening and herb magazines or writing books on a variety of related subjects or journaling on one of his many online blogs. Currently he writes for four magazines and 17 regional newspapers, and freelances for other publications. “It's important to find your niche market, learn how to access it and things to avoid.” See longcreekherbs.com

Ethan Bryan is an author, musician, and story-teller. He has completed century rides on bicycles, under par rounds of golf, and is a world-record holder. He still dreams of one day playing baseball with the Kansas City Royals. Ethan is currently working on a project to become the "World's Best Catch Player." Ethan and his wife, Jamie, live in Springfield, Missouri, with their two daughters. He is the author of “Run Home & Take a Bow: Stories of Life, Faith, and a Season With the KC Royals;” “Striking Out ALS: A Hero’s Tale;” and “Tales of the Taylor: Songs That Changed the World.” See http://ethanbryan.wordpress.com/2013/07/26/going-viral/

Juliana Goodwin was born in Brazil and raised in nine countries, which is where her love of travel developed. “My father was in the foreign service so we hosted three to five cocktail parties and luncheons a week – so I grew up entertaining. As a small child, my mother had a bakery out of the house and I learned to bake at an early age. By first grade, I was creating original recipes. I have always known I wanted to be a writer; I’d dictate to my mom before I could physically write. I have degrees in both English and Print Journalism. Early on, I decided I wanted to pursue food and travel writing. Today, I am a columnist for the Springfield News-Leader. My goal is to visit every continent on earth, 100 countries and every state in the U.S. (and continue writing about it). Read her work at news-leader.com

Wes Johnson has been a reporter and editor since graduating from Wichita State University’s journalism program in 1980. Currently the Outdoors writer at the Springfield News-Leader, Wes enjoys getting out into the woods for long hikes, kayaking Missouri streams and sailing clear Ozarks lakes on sailboats he restores as a hobby. He specializes in participatory journalism -- writing about the great outdoors from a personal point of view and sharing his experiences and adventures with readers. Read his work at news-leader.com

William Garvin has been Special Collections Librarian and University Archivist at F.W. Olin Library, Drury University since 1992. His articles have been published The Springfield News-Leader, Drury Magazine, The Ada (Okla.) Evening News, and The Rolla Daily News. He has also taught a number of classes in literature, history and the study of the printed book.

Friday, August 09, 2013

Life's Beautiful Path: Ozark Regional Arts Council Mountain Home, Arkansas

Ozark Regional Arts Council Mountain Home, Arkansas

http://facebook.com/ozarkregionalartscouncil

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Arkansas Society of Children's Book Wrriters and Illustrators

Arkansas SCBWI Retreat 2013

The 17th annual Arkansas SCBWI Retreat for Writers of Children's Literature will feature hands-on workshops led by Alexandra Arnold, editorial assistant at Katherine Tegen Books (imprint of HarperCollins), and small & in-depth guided critique groups with participating writers. 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 Sept. 4) and receive feedback from the editor at the retreat.

For more information, go to Arkansas SCBWI Retreat page. To register, go to the Arkansas SCBWI online registration form

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Ozarks Romance Authors/Contest

Detailed instructions on how to enter, including cash prize information, is available here: http://ozarks-romance-authors.com/annual-contest/

Monday, July 22, 2013

Children Soup for the Soul(R) Stories Needed

We’re Looking for Stories! Provided by Kathy Temean's Writing and Illustrating email newsletter

We have many Chicken Soup for the Soul® books in development and are adding new titles all of the time. We are always looking for new stories and poems and hope you have some for us to consider. Take a look at the list of our future book topics to see if you have a story or poem on a subject we are looking for and then please submit it to us.

If you have a great story or poem you want to submit but we are not collecting for that topic at this time, please save it and check back with us soon. Our list of Possible Books Topics is added to frequently and hopefully, in the near future, we will add a topic that will be a perfect fit for your story or poem.

We prefer that you submit your stories only once, but if you believe your story fits in more than one book topic, please indicate which other topics you have submitted it for in the Comments line on the submission form. You can submit your story by going to the link at the bottom of the page. Thanks!

Here Are Our Future Topics:

Miracles Happen

Everyone loves to read about miracles in Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Everyone has experienced extraordinary events in their lives that cause wonder and astonishment. Why did these things happen? Perhaps the only explanation is divine intervention. We are looking for true stories in this multi-faith book that will awe you with examples of amazing events. Miracles do happen every day. The deadline for story and poem submissions is August 15, 2013.

Multitasking Mom’s Survival Guide

Moms are the busiest people in the world! They juggle kids, husbands, jobs, housework, paid work, volunteer work, parents, pets, etc. How do they do it? Sometimes they are successful and get everything done. Sometimes… disasters happen! Busy moms – here is your chance to pass along your words of wisdom, your lessons learned, your funny or embarrassing moments. Pretend you’re talking to a friend and share your wonderful stories with other busy moms. The deadline for story and poem submissions is July 31, 2013.

My Guardian Angel

We are looking for stories from people who believe that they have encountered or been helped by angels. How did your angel manifest himself or herself? How did your angel help you or someone you know? Please do not send stories about people who are “angels” because they do nice things, and also please do not submit eulogies where you say that your loved one is now an angel. The deadline for story and poem submissions is December 31, 2013.

Overcoming Challenges

Life is filled with challenges. We have all gone through trying times and have had to overcome difficult situations. We would like to know what challenges you have faced in your life and what you did to overcome them. Are you recovering from health problems, financial difficulties or the loss of a loved one? What changes did you make to help you cope with these issues and turn negative into positive? Your stories will give our readers inspiration and insight into how others are coping and let them know that there is hope even in adversity. The deadline for story and poem submissions is October 31, 2013.

Reboot Your Life

Were you in a rut? Was your life boring and dull? Hopefully you did something positive about that. What kind of a major changes did you make that brought back your purpose, passion, and joy? Did you start a completely new career, have a travel adventure or find a new hobby? Was it a new love interest or an attitude adjustment that helped you reboot your life? We want to hear your stories. Stories can be serious or funny, but we definitely want them to inspire our readers to take a chance and give them the courage to reboot their own lives. The deadline for story and poem submissions is November 30, 2013.

Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injuries

With a traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurring every 18.5 seconds in this country, chances are you have been touched in some way by this experience. TBI is the signature wound of our returning soldiers. It is literally changing the rules for athletes from the NFL to the public schools. If you have sustained a TBI, if you are a family member dealing with the challenges of TBI, or if you are a health care professional inspired by TBI survivors, we want to hear your story. What do you know now that you wish you knew then? What helped you most in your recovery? What lesson did you learn from an amazing survivor of traumatic brain injury? The deadline for story and poem submission is November 30, 2013.

Stories about Cats

We love stories about our cats. They are part of our families or perhaps it might be better to say that they allow us to think of them as family! We include them in our celebrations and buy them gifts for special occasions. They have a special place in our lives and in our hearts. What do you do to make your cat feel special? What does your cat expect from you? How has having a cat changed your life? We know you’ll have many great stories for us about how you cater to your cat and how your cat is included in your family. Stories can be serious or humorous… or both. The deadline for story and poem submissions is August 31, 2013.

Stories about Dogs

We love stories about our dogs and the amazing things they do. They are part of our families. We include them in our celebrations and even buy them gifts for special occasions. They have a special place in our lives and in our hearts. What do you do to make your dog feel special? What does your dog expect from you? How has your dog changed your life? We know you’ll have many great stories for us about how you pamper your pooch and how your pooch is included in your family. Stories can be serious or humorous… or both. The deadline for story and poem submissions is August 31, 2013.

The Dating Game!

We’re publishing a book on dating! First dates, blind dates, group dates… we want to hear about all of them. Meeting the family, embarrassing moments, break-ups and make-ups… we want all of your war stories. Did you meet your perfect match online? Did you have an office romance or start a relationship with someone who was just a friend? How about first dates after divorce, reconnecting with a person from your past, or even simply finding your happily-ever-after where you least expected it? Tell us everything from love at first sight to dating disasters. For this book, we prefer contemporary stories. They will be favored over stories about events that happened decades ago. We are accepting stories from men and women 18 years and older. The deadline for story and poem submissions is July 29, 2013.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Filed under: authors and illustrators, Book, inspiration, opportunity, Places to sumit, publishers Tagged: Book Topics, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Looking for Stories, Poems

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Historical Ozarks Mills

To take the old mills tour, the "Historic Ozarks Mills" book is a must! It has more than 25 historic grist mills, that still exist, with over 120 full color pix. It also includes directions, a map, history, folklore and other stories. These mills are in some of the most beautiful places you'll ever visit by book or in person! Check-out the web site to browse and order at www.photozarks.com <<< click here. There's more than on the site. So contact Photozarks if you don't see what you're looking for. Contact info is below.