(c) All photographs copyrighted by Mary Nida Smith
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
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
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.
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.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
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.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
OZARKS CREATIVE WRITERS IS OCTOBER 6-8 in Eureka Springs check their website http://www.ozarkscreativewriters.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.
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.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
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.
Sunday, September 04, 2011
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.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
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).
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
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?
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?
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
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
Friday, August 12, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, August 08, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, August 07, 2011
WRITERS MEETINGS:
TWIN LAKES WRITERS AUGUST 13TH http://www.twinlakeswriters.org
OZARKS WRITERS LEAGUE AUGUST 19-20th http://www.ozarkswritersleague.org
TWIN LAKES WRITERS AUGUST 13TH http://www.twinlakeswriters.org
OZARKS WRITERS LEAGUE AUGUST 19-20th http://www.ozarkswritersleague.org
Monday, August 01, 2011
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.
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.
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