Oh, the ups and downs of a writer. Many of the days I resigned myself to give up the whole writing thing. To become involved in hobbies that allow me to float through life. Just to enjoy gardening, sewing, painting, puttering around the house, on the deck and the summer porch. Last Friday, I spent the day with my husband in my woodland garden raking, trimming and watering. I get so involved with my mud turtles, woodpeckers and other birds, a tree-legged raccoon and insects. I could watch them from sunrise to dawn until the bats disappear into darkness blocking my view. Sometimes, I do have the opportunity to sit on the summer porch to count a few stars and see how the moon will shape-up. Everywhere inside the house and out are affiliated with wildlife and the out-of-doors. such as birdhouses, fishing, nests, feathers, bird cages and a large black cricket on the fireplace hearth for good luck. One of the neighbors gave my husband two bird houses for watering their plants while they were on a trip. Why visiting my family at Naperville in August, my daughter and granddaughters after touring through several neat little shops presented me with a large white box with a bright pink bow. It was so pretty I hated to open it, but I did. What a surprise, a pedestal dish. The base was the form of a tree trunk with two male cardinals. Beautiful.

You can read between the lines I know you can. You are saying to yourself and to whoever will listen, she just received a rejection. So, you are right. I checked the publisher at http://www.publisherslunch.com/ and they had changed the editor after receiving my manuscript. This editor has different request on the type of books she would like to see. Oh, well... I already feel better. Once I reorganize my studio office and the large folding table in the guest room, I'll be excited to get back to writing. The love of my life for it places me into many different corners of the world.

I have finished several projects that need to be floating out in never, never land where I hope editors will snag one or two as trophies to become books. Sometimes, I allow myself to think about finding a partner to work on some of my non-fiction books. But, I'm a little crazy I see things... the world different than most people. I am like a butterfly that loves to try the nectar from all types of flowers. Writing is a passion to die-hard writers. Write on! See you on the printed page.

Books and Idaho Company: We had a special week filled with family from Nampa, Idaho. We visited the Ralph Foster Museum on the campus of the College of the Ozarks at Point Lookout, Missouri. We didn't go through the one room Star Schoolhouse north of the museum. No one can see everything in a day. We always enjoy our lunches at The Keeter Center's Dobyns Dining Room. We love that place check it out at http://www.rfostermuseum.com/, http://www.cofo.edu/ and http://www.keetercenter.edu/. Had lunch one day at Gaston Resort, went to the new Jim Gaston White River/Bull Shoals Visitors Center where I took photos of a Road Runner peering in the window and learned it was a female by its markings. Plus, we went to Top O'the Ozarks Tower and to several interesting gift shops at Cotter. White Mist Gifts of Cotter is filled with many local artisans works.

ZODIAC The Lost Twins, a YA fiction by Deb Peterson will soon be release by Blue Words at http://www.windstormcreative.com/.

Where ever I go if there are books I will be checking them out, such as yardsales. I haven't been to one for a couple of years. I found Abel's Island by William Steig, a Newbery Honor book filled with little pencil sketches, Romona the Brave by BeverlyCleary who lives in Oregon near where I lived and several books by Stephen Cosgrove and illustrated by Robin James. Stephen's roots reach back to Burley, Idaho near where I lived. I met him twice and he shared some interesting stories. I love books for they were difficult to come by when I was a child. In school we were taught to be kind to our books-do not bend their spine for you would break their back, don't dog ear your pages or mark in them. But, you were allowed to wear them out by reading them over and over-wellread and loved.

SCBWI-Mo-Springfield Children's Writers Group met September 8th at the Library Station. I went with two other children's writers to hear a program on doing research for writing historical teen novels. Louise A. Jackson and J.B. Cheaney's program was very informative and interesting. Everyone in that group is published. We came away feeling in awe of such a knowledgeable group. I hope to return when they have their next meeting. To learn more about Louise and J.B. go to http://www.geocites.com/scbwimo. Sue Bradford Edwards is Missouri's Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators' Regional Advisor. She is the new editor of their newsletter MO Scribbles, which has been improved and enlarged. For ten dollars it looks like a good deal. While you are on their website check the upcoming conference to be held at St. Charles. It sounds like a good one.

My woodland garden has endured a hot, dry summer. I watered twice a week trying to help the roots survive. I didn't want to complain for gardens in some areas were under water and mud. Because of weather changes I have allowed wild native plants to grow where they wish. Only, the strongest survive unusual weather changes. Last spring the extra hard freeze set back all the plants and trees, the summer drought caused blossoms to die and leaves to fall prematurely. This week's rain has brought cooler temperatures. Under darken skies the morning glory displays open blossoms throughout the day allowing the hummingbirds and butterflies to enjoy her nectar. Each morning with camera in hand I will be checking for spider webs and fungi. They are nature's true artist bringing breath taking displays to my garden rooms.

The Ozarks Mountaineer Sept/Oct issue page 24 Round & About The Ozarks department read New Bat Cave Discovered In Baxter County, submitted by Mary Nida Smith. It is packed with past and present articles, so why don't you read the hold magazine. Check out their website at www.ozarksmountaineer.com

Dusty Richards, author of 79 books and Linda Apple, who has been published in six of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Books, tells how to be prepared to pitch Terry Burns a Christian book agent. Click on www.ozarkwritersleague.org for November 16-17 Ozarks Writers League's special two day workshops. Your book manuscript should be 250 words per page,about 300 pages, know the genre and where it will fit on the bookstore shelf. Listen carefully to what the agent says. If he turns you down he may ask you what other book could you write, or can you write a series? If you believe you can say, "yes." Click on www.heartlineliteraryagency.com. Dusty's and Linda's websites are www.dustyrichards.com and www.lindacapple.com.

The pitch: Introduce yourself while you hand him your bussiness card. Give the title of your book and howmany words and pages, then present him with four to five exciting sentences-a blurb of your book. Be sure and write it down to take with you. In the meanwhile practice your pitch. Remember agents and editors are nice people and you are the salesperson pitching a product you believe in.

An agent loves writers that are outgoing and dedicated. Mention the writers groups and other groups you are a member of.

For updates in book markets go to The Purple Crayon www.underdown.org and Publishers Weekly at www.publishersweekly.com. For a list of children magazines go to http://kidsmagwriters.com and publishers at Children's Book Council www.cbcbooks.org.

Most of my extra time has been spent in my woodland garden raking fall-colored leaves. Yes, I did say, "leaves." The month of August we received no rain and leaves are falling. When I looked up at all the leaves still attached, I couldn't believe where the two huge piles come from that we raked. Also, I have been dead heading and watering trying to keep the roots alive until help arrives in the form of rain. But, I prefer to water than have a flood. It is so dry the dust is coughing.

Check out my latest blog Submarine Stories and Military Writers at http://submarinestories.blogspot.com

Writers are interesting people. Ozarks Writers League members gathered August 18th at the College of the Ozarks in the Plaster Auditorium. We learned how to and how not to pitch an agent, by Linda Apple and Dusty Richards. Georgie McIrvin and Jay Grelen shared their experiences on how to conduct successful interviews, and how one story can produce several future articles. They both were very knowledgeable. Of course, Ms. McIrvin inspired me with her go-getting attitude where you have nothing to lose. and how to be professional at all times. Most of all age means nothing when it comes to writing. A first rate interesting story is the most important part of writing. Ms. McIrvin started writing in 1999 when she was in her sixties.

We had lunch at the spectacular Keeter Center dinning room with four interesting people. Elaine E. Deyo, writes screenplays, children's books and is a fine artist. Check out her website ww.meet-branson.com. Polly McCrillis aka Isabel Mere writes suspense and historical romance novels. She recently moved to Missouri from Florida and to learn more click on www.pmccrillis.com. Connie Hjetmeng-Johnson is writing a children's picture book about the war. Her son is stationed in Afghanistan and writes articles for the Army Times. The forth interesting writer Ruth Hunter is a web/print designer and illustrator at www.sagemedissite.com.

This is proof a blog can bring some people fame. The Chocolate & Zucchini blog managed by Clotide Dusoulier, a 27 year old women who clains she receives 4.5 million visitor a month and because of it has signed a book deal with Broadway Books.

Watch for my new blog. I hope to have it up soon. SUBMARINE STORIES AND MILITARY WRITERS. I will still continue this blog.

Bookstores, trip, country roads and fun: It has been a long time since we traveled-just the two of us. We use to be a threesome. Baby Girl, our miniature Dachshund decided to go on a long adventure without us. I know she is standing guard waiting for us to catch up. She was always on guard protecting us where she could keep us all to herself. This was our first solo trip in eleven years but, she was with us in spirit. We traveled the back roads to enjoy the countryside -just a touch of yesterday when people traveled slower and stopped at Mom and Pop cafes or an ice cream parlor. A time to gather ideas for stories and information for a future stop over, maybe at a B&B. I would like to call it "tripping" where we traveled light and quick. We packed a lot in it where we explored tiny specialty shops squeezed into small rooms in large old houses built in the 20s. Adventured through Barnes & Noble, and Anderson's independent bookshop and ate out often. I ordered from the children's menu when I could for the kid in me and at some places I enjoy the free toy. On the way home we did enjoy the Cracker Barrel and gift shop.

I checked the World War II books in the children and adult sections at both bookstores and it was sparse. It was interesting talking to the sales persons. I did purchase three books; Pearl Harbor by Stephen Krensky, published by Aladdin Paperbacks ready-to-Read, level 3, with lots of information in 42 pages with watercolor illustrations by Larry Day, Extraordinary Short Story Writing by Steven Otfinoski and published by Franklin Watts and Dachshunds for Dummies.(I love it.) The Dachsie book will be used to fact check Baby Girl's series providing insight into a 19 year-old Dachshund's life of happiness, injuries, recoveries and slowing down.

The most fun was being with family. It was a hot trip. It was spring green at Naperville and surrounding towns.

The remainder of this year will be packed with writing for children, adult and military magazines and working on future books. Writing and submitting press releases, creating curriculum for teaching creative writing for children and the newsletter editor for the Arkansas Submarine Veterans of World War II. Plus, we are expecting company we haven't seen for a few years, traveling, attending writers workshops and a week for my book release and signings.

Take a deep breath and enjoy the day.

Children's Writer, Institute of Children's Literature, Stay Focused: Over the years I have recommend to people interested in writing for children to use information provided by the Institute of Children's Literature and to subscribe to their newsletter Children's Write. Yesterday, I spent more time searching for information I wanted when I suddenly remembered to search http://www.institutechildlit.com/. There it was and more. Why did I ever stop making it my main stop. In the future I'll spend more time writing, less time surfing. So, I quickly subscribed to the newsletter.

When I am in my studio office I want to write, not surf, unless I am working on a non-fiction piece. Also, because I try to use the minutes I have to write, I don't always have time to learn more on how to use my computer. When I was on Children's Lit website I noticed Underdown's website mentioned. Gosh. I thought, I haven't been there for awhile. He keeps you updated with editors on the move. Low and behold there it was How to Make Self-Editing Easy by Margot Finke using your MS Word Tools. This will be on top of my list of things to do.

Stop and think, put things in order. Stay focused. Don't be like Chicken Little who thought the sky was falling in, running here and there before he discovered the facts. Many times when things go wrong it is our own doing. We don't stay focused before we go running here and there looking for an easier way to write and be published. There are many small steps to take before you can walk with the big guys.

SALUTE! The June and July issues of the military newsletters can be found at www.redenginepress.com. Both issues have eighteen pages filled with stories and photos including my two articles Mountain Home Plaza 2000 (June issue) and Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum (July issue).

My computer was acting up where I was pushed into learning more on how to operate it. It is fine now, but I am still trying to figure out how to use my new digital camera and Wednesday, I purchased a new vacuum cleaner which is still in the box. I feel if I open the box before I am prepared to learn one more thing, I'll need to order more memory for myself. No relaxing, everyday new updates and products constantly changing. The last vacuum I had to return for it only went one direction across the carpet. Crazy!

My book Submarine Stories of World War II is listed in Salute as a Fall release.

Computer problems, classes, conferences and magazine: It feels as if it has been weeks since I posted anything. My computer was frightening me with its memory lost. I did have a couple of clues to what was ailing it. My son who lives in Idaho said I need to clean it up. So, that book Microsoft Widows (c)XP that has been in a drawer for three years was pulled out and read. I gained some knowledge how my computer works for me if I take care of it. Then, to make sure I asked BBS Computer Sales and Systems and Services Inc., to double check and answer questions and explain everything. He made it appear so easy. I am thankful for their help. His wife Geri accompanied him. We had a nice visit about their son who was in my creative writing class at the library.

This is my third year to teach. I shared what I had learned on a small scale. I tried to meet the poets, the short story writers and the illustrators needs. During the four classes I tried to motivate each one to write in a daily journal, where to find stories and how to put them down on paper. I gave them hand-outs on how to write, books to read and websites for young writers. I learned from them and enjoyed each one. The classes were sponsored by the Ozarks Regional Arts Council, CowGill Insurance Agency and American National Insurance -Jana Cowgill Agency.

Conferences, a Retreat and a Workshop: http://www.whitecountycreativewriters.org/, http://members.aol.com/ddpattison/scbwi/fall.html
http://www.ozarkscreativewriters.org/
http://www.ozarkswritersleague.org/

The June issue of the Writer magazine has an informative article The ABCs of writing for KIDS, written by Candie Moonshower. Candie is the author of The Legend of Zoey, published by Yearling (Random House) check out her website at http://www.candimoonshower.com/. She was at a week-end retreat I attended a couple of years ago and on her website there will be photos.

My daughter had a surprise birthday party in Illinois and I wasn't able to attend. I sent her a family heirloom which I know she will cherish and its 77 year-old history. I wish I could have seen her face when she opened the present.

Books, gardening and submarine veterans (subvets): I have been trying to do some reading in-between all the million projects I have on my "do list." I found the middle grade novel Doris Free by Cara Bookins, a very interesting read and it gives insight to how family memories can be written into novels, short stories or essays. Again, it made me aware of the different "point of views." I believe novice writers and seasoned writers who write more than one genres find the "point of views" to be complex. With all of this in mind I decided to compile a list of books written in the different "point of views." I find Doris Free to be written in the omniscient point of view.

A View From The Hills by Thomas Garrett, is filled with short essays on everyday life as he sees it. They were first published in The Baxter Bulletin starting in 1983 and continue today. I enjoyed what I have read for it is written from the first person point of view from someone from the Ozarks. He paints a picture how the world from the hills looking out provides things to ponder.

Gardening with the mosquitoes serenading me with the buzzing tune, "Oh, Happy Days," meant food has arrived. It left me wondering what was the bats doing that I seen flying last night.
Friday, I made the mistake of walking through the garden area of Wal-Mart where several different kinds of plants were half-price. I purchased four Hostas, a large fern, and two Bleeding Hearts. A couple plants I broke apart into several more. So, Saturday I spent four fun hours playing in the dirt.

I will update everyone on the next blog about my book, but it is not my book, it is part of all the veterans in the book and all our subvet friends who have given support along the way and still are lending a hand. I have so much to be thankful for.

As long as God grants me another tomorrow I will fill these days in a useful manner.

REJECTIONS: One baby down and five to go of my babies I had shipped out into the big outside world of make-believe. We all know writers live in the real world. Below I will share a line from my most recent (today) rejection letter.

While you have a unique premise, unfortunately the storyline and overall tone weren't really working for me. Restructured sentence to cut to the heart of the problem: You do have a unique premise; unfortunately the storyline and overall tone didn't work for me.

A. Unique: exclusive, exceptional and distinctive
B. Premise: idea, foundation and/or principle
(A&B the character builder to soften the blow)

C. Unfortunately: regrettably, sadly and sorry-to-say
D. Storyline: plot, action, and story
(C&D melodrama - set-up the background music with the violins playing soft sad notes)

Now, we end with the biggie, the blow to the heart of a hard working writer.
E. OVERALL: the word is screaming at me drowning out the melodically weeping sounds of the violin orchestra.

I MUST rebuild my confidence, put on a breastplate to protect my heart, dry the tears of my babies (characters) and push them once again and maybe, again and again out into the big world's peering eyes.

At birth a writer's veins are filled with energy to march forward with the burden of forming stories that must be told- this is the blood of a storyteller and a recorder of history.

Independence Day is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1778, declaring our independence from Great Britain. May God keep our military men and women safe to return to our free country. Click on photo to enlarge.

Submarine Memories & non-fiction books: I need more blogs or a website for my non-fiction books I am working on for adults and children. I have gathered stories and photos over the years from past submarine conferences and events that I would like to share. Manchester, A Summer Village, I have half finished will included lots of beautiful photos and my columns from The Port Orchard Independent newspaper.

Non-fiction for children I have been researching and writing are about city parks, trees, marshes, fungi/mushrooms, cattails, crocodiles, and chariots. I must finish all before I start anything else. That is easy to say, but difficult to do, for ideas pop into my head constantly. I never have writer's block.

I believe story ideas are everywhere and they are not hiding. We as writers may say they are, because it gives us an excuse not to write. Write a little, play a little and do not forget your "honey do list" or should I say, "burn it."

Submitting and rewriting is not an easy chore. When submitting I find writing the cover/query letter difficult. Finding quality time is not found to finish stories requiring a lot of polishing. I repeat to myself over and over that I am thankful for the time I am provided.

Exclusive submissions submitted to children's book publishers:

• Cheezie Denise
• No one Wanted Me/Dachshund: The Come Back Dachie Series
• Squeaky's Adventure
• Polly Wants a Cracker
• Two Naughty puppies and That Cat
• Trail of Fears

I have two more ready to go:

• Bodoom and Scooter and the Wild Tail
• The Sea Captain Fights the Sea Serpent

Children's magazine: Jimmy's Bubblegum Tooth (a short story)

Three poems to a literary magazine:

• Faded Dreams
• Autumn's Fears
• Winter Trees

Four short articles to an e-zine and a regional magazine.

July 3rd, I start my creative writing classes for kids ages 8-12 at the Baxter County Library. This is my third year. I enjoy teaching the kids for they are enthusiastic and willing to teach me as I teach them. This a sharing time to create excitement about writing short stories and poems that will extend a lifetime.

Korean Memorial -MVPA Convention: On 25 June, 2007, at 10 a.m. the Korean Veterans Memorial Ceremony will take place at Gen. MacArthur Park in Little Rock, Arkansas to honor the men who fought in the Korean War. To learn more click on www.arkansaskoreanwarmemorial.com.

June 28-30 the Military Vehicle Preservation Association will hold their 32nd annual convention in Little Rock. To learn more click on www.armvpa.com , the Arkansas MV Travelers website, a chapter of the National Association.

Book signings and writing: I have been running in circles with many different tasks on the menu. My mind races with ideas and half-finished stories as my feet carry me to and fro. I worked in the garden and submitted a couple more children's book manuscripts, a story to a children's magazine, worked on several articles and prepared three poems to get in the mail. Last Friday, I attended Steve's signing at Hastings. We had a long discussion about promoting.

I spent most of last Saturday at the library during the children's program from 10-11 a.m. with Kathy Z. Price, author from New York City. I watched and carefully listened to her read from her book The Bourbon Street Musicians, and how she weaved her guitar playing into her story telling. It was fascinating watching how she kept the young children involved. It reinforces what they teach in poetry reading: Move while using gestures and emphasize words which create action and emotion - pulling the listeners in. Kathy knows how to do it successfully for she is a poet. She has published a book of poetry and is the editor for A Gathering of the Tribes, a literary magazine. She answered question about the ups and downs of writing and the publishing world and now has a novel making the rounds.

When I came home for lunch in-between programs, I had an email from the editor at Salute, a military e-zine requesting a couple of small articles and photos. Boy, was I busy. I submitted them Monday morning. I hope they work out as she is holding another article of mine.

Upcoming workshops and conferences: If you are interested in writing for the children's market click on www.geocities.com/scbwimo (I find it quicker by placing SCBWI Missouri in the search engine.), Ozarks Writers League www.ozarkswritersleague.org, White County Creative Writers www.whitecountycreativewriters.org, and the Ozarks Creative Writers Inc www.ozarkcreativewriters.org.

An interesting article on "Point of Views" can be found at www.sfwrite.com it applies to all genres. Click on http://darcypattison.livejournal.com Darcy Pattison Revision Notes. Darcy is the author of several children's books and she teaches creative writing. It is filled with solving many problems you have encounted with picture books and teen novels. Read Hotdog on TV by Karen T. Taha, a Dial Easy-To-Read with three chapters (40pages), A BEAR FOR MIGUEL by Elaine Marie Alphin, a level 3 for grades 3-4 with five chapters and 60 pages, and THE BARN by AVI with 28 chapters and 105 pages. List of (publishers) members click on CBC - The Children's Book Council, Inc., and a list of the latest books.

Harriet Hamilton, an Arkansas author, I have never met has friends who want you to remember - she may have left us when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer but, her book RIBBONS OF THE SUN will keep her alive. Harriet just received several awards for her book. Her critique group and friends, Karen Taha and Jan VanSchuyver shared this good news with the AR/SCBWI members.

Authors, conferences, actors and magazines: Check out local writer Laurel T. Sheridan's article Quigley's Castle Rocks in the May/June issue of The Ozarks Mountaineer magazine and you'll find it on their website http://www.ozarksmountaineer.com/

Baxter County Library at Mountain Home, Arkansas will have Children's author Kathy Z. Price who wrote The Boubon Street Musicians presenting folklore in oral tradition for children and how to make a Krawdad Kazooz craft on June 16, from 10:30 am to noon. In the afternoon she will have a workshop from 2:00-3:30 pm for writers. She will share her experiences about networking tools to meet editors, literary agents, what to know before signing a contract and many other aspects of the writing business. For more information http://www.baxtercountylibrary.org/ or call 870-425-3598, est.29 to register.

June 15, from 4-7 p.m. at Hastings at Mountain Home, AR, Steve Whisnant, member of the Fiction Writers of Central Arkansas will be signing his novel and sharing his experiences and The Baxter Bulletin's Editorial Page Editor, Thomas "Sonny" Garrett will be signing his book"A View From the Hills" June 30, 1-5 p.m. The books will be filled with his favorite editorial columns he has written over the years.

Western Writers of America ( http://www.westernwriters.org) will be holding their annual convention in Springfield, Missouri for five full exciting days June 12-16, with over 200 writers discussing Western fiction, non-fiction, poetry, movies and audio books. My friend Dusty Richards will receive two Spur Awards, plus friends Max McCoy and Ellen Gray Massey and many other authors will be doing book-signings at the PFI Western Store, 2816 South Ingram Mill Road (1-800-222-4734).

Actors and extras are needed in a film about Battle of Wilson's Creek in Missouri. Filming will take place August 9-12. Auditions will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 21. For more information check Wide Awake Films of Kansas City at www.nps.gov/wier.history/cuture/people.htm

Conferences be sure and enter their contests: Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators of Missouri presents A Writing and Illustrators Workshop, July 14 in Springfield, Missouri for more information check on www.geocities.com/scbwimo. Sue Bradford Edwards, Regional Director at suebradfordedwards@yahoo.com

Gardening is magical with daily discoveries. We had a slow drizzling rain with heavy morning dew and the air was filled with mist. This brings magical fungi/mushrooms appearing on the woodland floor. I discovered among the bed of wild violets what I believe is a finger fungi; tall, thin and white. Scattered in different areas were yellow, peach, and purple colored mushrooms and ones that appeared as little brown cups or birds nest and a large white one with black gills. One of the yellow ones I picked to see how it would dry. The fungi/mushrooms,/toadstools quickly disappear for the squirrels and chipmunks enjoy the favor of several such as the peach and dark tan.

I took lots of photos where later I will research for names. To an amateur many look alike. They will be added to the book I am writing.

In the midst the birds were squawking at me as they flew low trying to remove me from what they believe are their woods. The Three-toed box turtle and the South Painted turtle were quickly heading out searching for insects or a mate. The Mississippi Mud turtle is still living under the dirt near my deck steps.

A few days ago, I put in my herb garden. I had dill and oregano coming up and my faithful chives. The weeds, stonecrop and cypress vine was taking over. The dill and parsley are for the swallowtail butterflies. One year we had ten caterpillars all different sizes eating on the dill. The sweet basil, sage and rosemary I use fresh, dried and added to vinegar. Some herbs I use to keep insects away and to freshen up the closets.

I created a few garden ornaments from clay pots and odds and ends. My deck is full, so I need to find the right place in my garden rooms to display each one.

Nature's song sings to me to explore and enjoy for God has blessed the earth.