I was raised on farms where country living and nature has been instill in me. The title of my blog is to remind me to stay positive.
Friday, December 30, 2016
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Thursday, December 22, 2016
LITERARY AGENTS ETHICS
Association of
Authors' Representatives
We are a professional organization of over 400 agents who work with both book authors and playwrights.
Our members must meet the highest standards and subscribe to
our Canon of Ethics
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
A COUPLET POEM
I wrote and posted a couplet poem today.
Rain came followed ice
Snow blew wasn't nice
Rain came followed ice
Snow blew wasn't nice
Friday, December 02, 2016
Village Writing School
POETRY THAT
REDIRECTS ITSELF
Sunday, December 4
Sunday, December 4
In this workshop, we
will look at the nature of metaphor and how metaphor can be a tool for generating surprise in a
reader.We will also:
- look at ways to
coax our poetry into taking surprising detours and discuss how those
detours can shape a new understanding of ourselves.
- read examples of
successful poems that employ similar tactics.
- participate
in writing exercises designed to generate new ideas.
The workshop leader is Rodney Wilhite whose poems have appeared in Pleiades, 14 Hills, Cartographer, The Idle Class, The Puritan, and Splash of Red. He teaches at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.
This is the third of our free poetry series. Don’t miss it!
Become a Better Poet & A Better Poetry Reader
December 4 2 - 4 p.m.
Rogers Library
711 S. Dixieland Road
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Christmas Heroes Beneath the Wave
Mark R. Clary's USS Sunfish (SSN-649)story "Christmas I Remember Best: Ocean depths fail to dampen spirit of Christmas," in Heroes Beneath the Waves. And a Christmas poem, "Christmas Below the Sea," by the author as her husband tried to share his experience of Christmas on submarines.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Saturday, November 26, 2016
SUBMARINE STORIES
http://submarinestories.blogspot.com/
HEROES BENEATH THE WAVES: SUBMARINE STORIES OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, by Mary Nida Smith
HEROES BENEATH THE WAVES: SUBMARINE STORIES OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, by Mary Nida Smith
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Palette Art League
Join the Palette
Art League on December 15 and 16 , for a fun and exciting workshop at the
P.A.L's Art Gallery. Marlene Gremillion will be instructing
"Photographing and Watercolor Painting
Shiny Objects ".
Find the details attached. Pre-registration is encourage to reserve your seat. (space is limited).
For questions and registration contact Dana Johnson at 870-656-2057.
All proceeds support the Palette Art League a 501-c3 non profit organization.
Find the details attached. Pre-registration is encourage to reserve your seat. (space is limited).
For questions and registration contact Dana Johnson at 870-656-2057.
All proceeds support the Palette Art League a 501-c3 non profit organization.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Good Morning
Good morning.
This is were I need a lot of God's help to do something worthwhile/meaningful each day to keep focus on the prize. I know God has a wonderful plan for me and I must be ready, if it through my writing, painting, or photography I must continue; if its not -its not. In the meanwhile I have enjoyed myself while waiting to discover His plan.
All is well this morning - I think? Facebook is still not allowing to print normal. I guess they peeked and found out what age group I belonged to and thought I needed large print. I feel I have been placed in one of these age group boxes. I refuse to go without a fight, not in a mean way, but in a gentle way.
This is were I need a lot of God's help to do something worthwhile/meaningful each day to keep focus on the prize. I know God has a wonderful plan for me and I must be ready, if it through my writing, painting, or photography I must continue; if its not -its not. In the meanwhile I have enjoyed myself while waiting to discover His plan.
When I drew the balancing act of the worms years ago, I should have used a clock instead of books. Well I can redraw it.
I need a small water softener,can anybody give me any pointers what to purchase and where?
When I post on my blog you can comment on my Facebook.
Have a great day and enjoy the changing of the clouds.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Missing Friends
Missing all my woodland garden and yard friends today.
Some were dearer than others - young and old: the chipmunks, squirrels, insects, bird families, turtles, deer (most of all Prissy and Babe), snakes, tree frogs (most of all Sass and his family), groundhogs, and a whole lot more. Each year was different; some sad and some funny. I learned how special animals can be. I am thankful for the 17 years we all were friends.
Today at the new place a titmice flew to a small make-shift birdbath I had created. I thought of the two springs their family had raised young ones in a bird house on the deck table. I learned much from them as I photographed every move and their cousins, the chickadees.
Be true to your friends and they'll be true to you.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Rain May be Coming
Good morning. Another beautiful sunrise rose above the tree line as the sky began to darken. Thunder slightly roared to warn us, maybe, rain will follow. The rain is needed for many of the trees are thirsty allowing their leaves to drop without producing any color. We always love to witness the trees and bushes celebrating their splashes of color, trying to out do each other.
Sit back, grab a good book or a sketch pad, or whatever one does to enjoy a relaxed rainy day. Play some special music to move by, as you excise your thoughts and prayers.
Sit back, grab a good book or a sketch pad, or whatever one does to enjoy a relaxed rainy day. Play some special music to move by, as you excise your thoughts and prayers.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Rejoined SCBWI
Photo(c) by Mary Nida Smith
Good morning from River Bend Park. If I can stay focus, I will be posting on my blogs and not be on Facebook, for they are yelling at me. I will be doing more media promoting and get more focus on rewriting and submitting. If this is the direction God wants me to travel, I will continue. Since my husband passed away November 15, 2015, I have been trying to get my act together. I have rejoined SCBWI- Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators and I am back with SCBWI-Arkansas and maybe, rejoining Missouri's group. I have already started setting up my page on the national website, My publisher Skyhorse is listed on their site, which I was happy to see. Next I need to post my information on the Arkansas group's website.I will be doing a book signing Sunday December 4th, at the Donald W. Reynolds Library, Mountain Home, AR. The days will travel quickly, so I must prepare for it.
Do allow the last day of sunshine this week to warm your home and open up the windows, for this maybe, the last day to let the fresh air in and stale air out.Don't forget to wear your smile and maybe, dance a little across the floor.
BAXTER COUNTY LIBRARY BOOK SALE
https://www.facebook.com/events/1119059644855976/?notif_t=plan_reminder¬if_id=1479387600178589
Book Sale hours:
Book Sale hours:
Thursday, November 17 8:30am – 5:00 pmFriday, November 18 8:30am – 5:00pmSaturday, November 19 8:30am – 1:00pm
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Poem by Mary Nida Smith
https://davidlharrison.wordpress.com/adult-word-of-the-month-poem/
My poem and other poems posted on David's word of the month W.O.M. Please join us, write and post your poem. A new word each month. Once a year David has a blog party and we all are invited, so start writing. Read David's blog where you can learn more about writing.
My poem and other poems posted on David's word of the month W.O.M. Please join us, write and post your poem. A new word each month. Once a year David has a blog party and we all are invited, so start writing. Read David's blog where you can learn more about writing.
Friday, November 11, 2016
Saturday, November 05, 2016
Monday, October 31, 2016
Nicole Stremlow Monahan Illustrator
http://www.illustrator-nicolestremlowmonahan.com/
I love Nicole's illustrations for I can learn from them.
I love Nicole's illustrations for I can learn from them.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
DEBORAH KALB Q&A BOOK REVIEW
http://deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com/2016/03/q-with-mary-nida-smith_87.html
I am thankful for this review for, "Heroes Beneath the Waves," with Deborah Kalb who now has her first children's book released. "Heroes Beneath the Waves: Submarine Stories of the Twentieth Century", is written for the men who served, for families of submarine veterans to understand what it was like for their love ones, and for students to understand war is not a game. My husband has two stories in the book. He never got to see the book as he passed away two day before the book was released.
I am thankful for this review for, "Heroes Beneath the Waves," with Deborah Kalb who now has her first children's book released. "Heroes Beneath the Waves: Submarine Stories of the Twentieth Century", is written for the men who served, for families of submarine veterans to understand what it was like for their love ones, and for students to understand war is not a game. My husband has two stories in the book. He never got to see the book as he passed away two day before the book was released.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Poem DOG SMARTS
Dog
Smarts!
By
Mary Nida Smith
©
Doggone
dog
acts
like a hog.
He
eats everything
without
thinking.
He
torn up the house,
never
touched the mouse.
I
sat him down for a talk
he
took me for a walk.
No
one out smarts this dog.
The
old boy lives in a fog
living
his life his way.
I
am still in a daze.
No
telling what he’ll do
when
I introduce the cat
…
to you know who.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
SCBWI Midsouth Agents’ Day in Memphis
2016 SCBWI Midsouth Agents’ Day in Memphis
Map data ©2016 Google





Friday, October 21, 2016
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Country Roads
Country Detour
© Mary Nida Smith
The poor sap wasn’t mature
for being a chauffeur.
He was a city guy.
Country roads were a bore.
This wasn’t a tour.
He didn’t expect a detour
in a roundabout way
up and down country roads.
He and his passenger were unsure
they would get beyond the detour
Zigzagging over county roads
that never appeared to end.
Monday, October 17, 2016
Children's Books Updates
http://www.underdown.org/chchange.htm
http://www.underdown.org/
Writing, Illustrating, and Publishing
http://www.underdown.org/
Writing, Illustrating, and Publishing
Children's Books: The Purple Crayon
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Saturday, October 15, 2016
THE OZARK REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL
https://www.facebook.com/The-Ozark-Regional-Arts-Council-268308546646
344/ I entered the first two years until my husband became ill. The bluebird on the top right. I am the Ozarks Regional Arts Council's Historian. Great group of artisans.
344/ I entered the first two years until my husband became ill. The bluebird on the top right. I am the Ozarks Regional Arts Council's Historian. Great group of artisans.
Friday, October 14, 2016
Check me out on FaceBook.
Check out my FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/marynidasmith
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Marvelous Magazine Heroes Beneath the Waves
Bottom left page 47 Marvelous Magazine
added my insert where my book, Heroes Beneath the Waves was mentioned.
Thank you, Marvelous Magazine.
added my insert where my book, Heroes Beneath the Waves was mentioned.
Thank you, Marvelous Magazine.
Monday, October 10, 2016
GATHERING OF AUTHORS
http://loiaconoliteraryagency.com/jeanie-loiacono-to-speak-at-the-gathering-of-authors/
GATHERING OF AUTHORS
Texarkana Literacy/Charity Annual Event
GATHERING OF AUTHORS
Texarkana Literacy/Charity Annual Event
Sunday, October 09, 2016
SCBWI NY17 Winter Conference Registration Opens October 25
Thursday, October 06, 2016
Wednesday, October 05, 2016
BOOK CONTRACTS
https://kathytemean.wordpress.com/
Book Contracts from Contracts 101: The Grant of Rights Clause by Jane Friedman (Excerpt)
Book Contracts from Contracts 101: The Grant of Rights Clause by Jane Friedman (Excerpt)
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Friday, September 23, 2016
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Monday, September 19, 2016
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Arkansas SCBWI
First, don’t miss your chance to attend the Arkansas SCBWI Writing
Intensive this Saturday, Sept. 17 from 1-4 p.m. in
Little Rock!
Janet Butler Taylor is the author of the young adult novel, INTO THE DIM, and its upcoming sequel. She can help you learn how to structure your stories AND have fun doing it! https://arkansas.scbwi.org/events/arkansas-scbwi-writing-intensive-2016/
Second, Did you miss your chance to attend the Arkansas SCBWI Retreat, Oct. 28-30, and receive personal feedback on your manuscript from the agent? Not yet!
We have a couple of spots open for writers. If you know of anyone who would benefit from the retreat - tell them to sign-up by Sept. 22! If you register by the extended deadline, you can send pages from your manuscript to the agent, which she will read in advance and provide feedback in-person at the retreat!
Consider joining us this year. At the retreat, you build relationships with fellow writers, learn more about each other's work, help one another improve, laugh a lot, share ghost stories and eat good meals together (cooked for us by the retreat center cooks!). You also get to know the agent and author, and work with them on improving your manuscript and your writing. https://arkansas.scbwi.org/events/arkansas-scbwi-retreat-2016/
Sign up today. You know you don't want to miss it! :)
Hope to see you there!
Phyllis
--
Phyllis Hemann
SCBWI Arkansas Regional Advisor
arkansas@scbwi.org
http://arkansas.scbwi.org
Janet Butler Taylor is the author of the young adult novel, INTO THE DIM, and its upcoming sequel. She can help you learn how to structure your stories AND have fun doing it! https://arkansas.scbwi.org/events/arkansas-scbwi-writing-intensive-2016/
Second, Did you miss your chance to attend the Arkansas SCBWI Retreat, Oct. 28-30, and receive personal feedback on your manuscript from the agent? Not yet!
We have a couple of spots open for writers. If you know of anyone who would benefit from the retreat - tell them to sign-up by Sept. 22! If you register by the extended deadline, you can send pages from your manuscript to the agent, which she will read in advance and provide feedback in-person at the retreat!
Consider joining us this year. At the retreat, you build relationships with fellow writers, learn more about each other's work, help one another improve, laugh a lot, share ghost stories and eat good meals together (cooked for us by the retreat center cooks!). You also get to know the agent and author, and work with them on improving your manuscript and your writing. https://arkansas.scbwi.org/events/arkansas-scbwi-retreat-2016/
Sign up today. You know you don't want to miss it! :)
Hope to see you there!
Phyllis
--
Phyllis Hemann
SCBWI Arkansas Regional Advisor
arkansas@scbwi.org
http://arkansas.scbwi.org
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Saturday, September 10, 2016
The Artist Retreat Center - The ARC
https:/https://www.facebook.com/artistretreatcenter/?
The Artist Retreat Center - The ARC Bella Vista, Arkansas
The Artist Retreat Center - The ARC Bella Vista, Arkansas
Friday, September 09, 2016
DARCY PATTISON FREE BOOK
Liberty: A Middle Grade Fantasy with Lots of Action and Adventure Kindle Edition
by Darcy Pattison (Author Check it out on Amazon free 9-11 September
Louella Bryant, an Author, Editor and Educator
http://www.louellabryant.com/books2.html
Check out her site. She is special to me.
Check out her site. She is special to me.
Thursday, September 08, 2016
Wednesday, September 07, 2016
Words and Memories are Important
Never Forget
©By
Mary Nida Smith
Have
we forgotten
our
childhood days
filled
with exciting adventures?
Have
we buried these memories
in
this electronic age,
or
should I say...
did
we trade our memories
for
what we think, must be
replaced
with updated ones.
Our
heritage must not be forgotten.
We
must pass stories down
For
future generations
to
know their family roots
of
a happier time.
Some
stories can mold the future
and
can be of comfort and strength
as
a special gift for generations
that
they too, can reach for the stars
and
never be forgotten.
I just read today, that some old fashion words were being removed from dictionaries to update with more modern words. I love old dictionaries from the 30's, 40's and 50's for they filled with wonderful old words that are no longer in use. The old dictionaries are very helpful when you are writing books and stories from the past.
Tuesday, September 06, 2016
Gulf Coast Writers Association
http://www.gcwriters.org/ Writers conference coming up in Missippi - check it out.
Sunday, September 04, 2016
Thursday, September 01, 2016
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BY Mary Nida Smith ©
People of passion
Deep-rooted in emotion
Allowing our emotions
To direct our future as we
Search for meaning in life.
Are we blinded by, emotions
That keeps us from searching,
The truth of understanding others …
All have a soul that needs to shine
To bring us all together, so we
Can rise up to love one another
Without group labels,
Which divide us?