March 1 Question
Have you ever read a line in a novel or a clever plot twist
that caused you to have author envy?
I do admire writers who paint word pictures within the pages of their books and dream up those twists that add a whole new slant to how the story might end. Delicious.
I don't envy authors, but I appreciate their storytelling talent. When reading an amazing book, article, blog post, I am inspired to improve my writing and dig deeper for words to tell an engaging story or share information with clarity. I am enthralled when I read the first line of a story so well-written that I can breathe a sigh of relief and sit back to immerse myself in the story.
I remember when my friend, Libby, asked me to play the piano for her at what we called a"contest" when we were seniors in high school. I believe they are now known as music festivals. The high school musicians performed and then received a rating from the judge.
When Libby began singing, the judge put down his pencil, sat back in his chair and just listened. The first eight bars of the song convinced him the rest of the song would be flawless. And it was.
Much like the beginning of Libby's song, the beginning of a book is the hint of how the rest of the book will read.
Keep reading and writing!!
March is Women's History Month
According to their website, Women's History Month commemorates and encourages "the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history."
The theme this year is appropriate for the Insecure Writers Support Group blog hop-
"The Women’s History Month theme for 2023 is Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories. The National Women’s History Alliance shares, 'Throughout 2023, the NWHA will encourage the recognition of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling…"
They are celebrating gals like us who have told and are telling stories!
Click here to learn more about this very special month.
This theme fits me not only with my writing but also because my purpose these days is to encourage women (and men!) to tell their life stories. I am presenting a workshop this winter on Life Storytelling to the Hernando County Computer Club members. I love teaching, but the best part is hearing the participants' stories.
A few years ago, I published an eBook to help folks write their life stories, Your Words, Your Life Story: A Guide for Sharing Memories. The paperback title is Your Words, Your Life Story: A Journal for Sharing Memories.
At this time, my work-in-progress is penning a book whose theme is how to write spiritual life stories. The working title is Jesus and Me: How to Write Your Spiritual Memoir. I plan to have it completed for release on April 1. This book is "heart-work" for me.
I'd appreciate a shout-out about the book during that week if possible. Can you help? Thank you.
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Read an eBook Week
March 5-13 |
NEWS--March 5-13th is Read an eBook Week sponsored by Smashwords. I'm celebrating this special week with deep discounts on all my books. Some are FREE! So load up those books to make the rest of the winter season go fast!
Click here to check them out. Cozy mysteries, memoir, and non-fiction books too!
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| TIPS and TOPICS for Writers |
My honorary cousin, Sandra Cox, will be my guest on March 15! She will be sharing tips for writers for the Tips and Topics Series on this blog every third Wednesday of the month. Her new Western, Return to Silver Hills, will be released, March 11th. You know we'll be shouting about that too. Mark your calendar to join in on the fun, "pardner!" Don't forget to wear your boots and cowboy hats! Yee-haw!!!
story.
history
March 5-13 SW sale
Sandra Cox
Women's History Month
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