tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57011286917037509452024-03-18T20:00:51.936-07:00 Wonderland Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-65055899671096697922013-12-02T07:08:00.002-08:002013-12-02T07:08:55.212-08:00Where am I?If you've hit this site and wonder why there are no posts since 2011, it is because I am now going through Wordpress. That's not to say that I like it and I may return here. But you can read current posts at <a href="http://www.cjclarkwrites.com/">www.cjclarkwrites.com</a><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-54581502376396175042012-09-08T08:10:00.004-07:002012-09-08T08:10:48.678-07:00I'm shutting down Wonderland on Blogger. If you want to still find me go to <a href="http://www.cjclarkwrites.com/">www.cjclarkwrites.com</a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-46962656690030724822012-09-07T06:30:00.000-07:002012-09-07T06:30:02.912-07:00NEW SENIOR MECCA?<br />
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As a former Michigander I can tell you all kinds of wonderful things about Michigan--the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, parks, zoos, u-pick fruit farms, entertainment centers, festivals, the Great Lakes.
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Maybe you'd like a dune buggy ride on the sand dunes at Mears, MI.<br />
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Or maybe a riverboat cruise.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Michigan has its share of festivals and fairs also. One of my favorite things about Michigan are the beaches and lighthouses. I suppose I come by this naturally. My father loved to go to the beach and as he enjoyed painting, sketching, and photography he loved to walked the shorelines until he found a lighthouse he could </span><span style="text-align: center;">sketch. . Since I was "daddy's girl" I always wanted to tag along.</span><img height="150" src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4929931653285504&id=2eac0e0305953e284c901790339c6de3" style="text-align: center;" width="200" /></div>
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Now that I live in Arkansas I can truly say I miss the diversity of Michigan. Oftentimes, we have thought of moving away from Arkansas and although I've always said I would not move east of the Mississippi again for anything. Unfortunately, economic times are hard and the housing market is down. With Michigan's economy so poor, the housing market there is extremely affordable. Wouldn't it be a wonderful mecca for seniors? It could be the new Florida. The only downfall to this brainstorm of mine is taxes. Michigan has high taxes. If only I could get the governor or someone in the state government to latch on to my idea and lower the taxes, perhaps droves of people would move to Michigan. Are you there Governor? Hello? Hello?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-17126659362291658342012-09-04T06:26:00.000-07:002012-09-06T16:43:46.684-07:00KISSING FISH?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bQQo2UYHaQo3H0IWqu_RXmpyUq7gkoBe11cRZOXb46HtBlyU9s7QpdcL-uEnJbllFZO5mCF1mdI3IbwweERDGhkvdOqIhsHItGL_6VyGEgDkER83KpaNRpFSJ1VRWdQPX0pJjn-MAFc/s1600/no.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bQQo2UYHaQo3H0IWqu_RXmpyUq7gkoBe11cRZOXb46HtBlyU9s7QpdcL-uEnJbllFZO5mCF1mdI3IbwweERDGhkvdOqIhsHItGL_6VyGEgDkER83KpaNRpFSJ1VRWdQPX0pJjn-MAFc/s200/no.jpg" width="200" /></a>The challenge was to write about 10 things I've never done. I could probably come up with many more than that. But here goes:<br />
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<li><strong>I've never smoked a joint. </strong>I have no interest in drugs and I'm uncomfortable with a bad headache or the dizziness that comes with a sinus infection. Why would I want to use something that could make me hallucinate? Besides, I love life; I don't need to alter my existence.</li>
<li><strong>I've never eaten oysters or sushi. </strong>I've tried alligator, buffalo, octupus, squid, tripe, bear, antelope, and Rocky Mtn. oysters (testicles). Some are good, some I'll pass on. But anything raw turns me off. And oysters? Well, they remind me of the snot from a little runny nosed kid. No thanks!</li>
<li><strong>I've never been bungy jumping. </strong>This is something that looks like fun or at least it did until a few people had the misfortune for the rope to break. I can't see myself doing this (especially at my age), however, I am up for hot air balloon ride.</li>
<li><strong>I've never ridden the mechanical bull. </strong>Although it appeals to me, I'm sure with my bad back, I'd never walk again.</li>
<li><strong>I've never learned to drive a stick shift.</strong></li>
<li><strong>I've never been to Europe.</strong></li>
<li><strong>I've never "mooned". </strong>I'm pretty straight, prim, and proper. Hey, it's called manners!</li>
<li><strong>I've never hiked the back-country.</strong> Heck, I've never hiked period. But I'd like to.</li>
<li><strong>I've never been on television.</strong> Oprah, are you reading this? Hello? Hello?</li>
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<li><strong>I've never kissed a fish. </strong>Now some of you may find this funny, but when living in Wyoming, the neighbor man taught all his children to kiss the fish they caught. I like fishing, but kissing the fish, that's right up there with #2.</li>
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What 10 things have you never done?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-12001977191467644902012-09-03T05:27:00.002-07:002012-09-03T05:27:49.178-07:00TWO CENTS<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-1450810409687375962012-09-02T10:32:00.003-07:002012-09-02T10:32:33.216-07:00INTERVIEWEDIf you haven't done so yet, be sure to go to MK McClintock's blog and leave a comment.<br />
<a href="http://mkmcclintock.blogspot.com/2012/08/wyoming-dreamer-interview-with-cj-clark.html">http://mkmcclintock.blogspot.com/2012/08/wyoming-dreamer-interview-with-cj-clark.html </a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-10747636669386774402012-09-02T05:49:00.002-07:002012-09-02T06:35:21.114-07:00TOO GOOD TO BE TRUEHave you received an email like this? As I read through it, I thought good deal. Who couldn't use all that promoting for a mere $150. However, after Googling this company--guess what--yep, there is none. Furthermore, I found a wonderful blog about this and I'm sharing that link: .<a href="http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2012/01/bookstoremarketingnet-beware-spam-pr.html">http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2012/01/bookstoremarketingnet-beware-spam-pr.html</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-1239253198379438762012-08-31T08:02:00.002-07:002012-08-31T08:02:43.893-07:00CARROLL OR TOLKIEN<br />
Simple question today: Who was more creative Louis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland) or Tolkien (The Hobbit)? Why?<br />
<img height="200" src="http://amsaw.org/pic0105-tolkien006.jpg" width="129" /> <img height="138" src="http://www.availableimages.com/images/pictures/1951/aliceinwonderland/aph_4.jpg" width="200" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-27465987104309844072012-08-25T14:39:00.000-07:002012-08-25T14:39:03.974-07:00KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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See this? While this is not my house it looks similar. Now before you think, wow she must really be a bad housekeeper, let me say my house does not look this way by choice.<br />
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Hubby is a collector. So when we moved out of two homes to this one, he insisted everything come with us. The poor moving van almost had a stroke trying to handle it all. When we arrived and unloaded, several things were damaged. And while claims were being made and settled, everything just sat in boxes. Furnishings were here, there and everywhere. I felt like I was living in a warehouse.We could not settle in. My visions of a lovely ranch house faded.<br />
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But I was optimistic. When the claim was settled, I set to work and soon found we had too much stuff, not enough house. That was over 12 years ago. Since then, more has been collected. And sad to say, not a dent has been made in parting with things. See, my theory is, if it hasn't been used, worn, played with, viewed, etc. for over two years, it's time to part ways. Hubby's theory is: We may need that someday. So the accumulation grows. And after 14 years, I am still living in a warehouse!<br />
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Any suggestions how to turn this around?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-89602958752848375612012-08-24T13:35:00.002-07:002012-08-24T13:35:45.931-07:00FANTASY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhHCZNb4BymEoOiamdlH_AFNWDeHuClEOqtyhT9Z75gyg3d1DFE0fX7yF5_ahrObbuhRCjZSfFq8YjqiOMM3e57KFHtFh0mRAdf8-saR4lNz_vC9qtIHRx8NvOYnaU5-mZTno04nfwDY/s1600/G5-08a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhHCZNb4BymEoOiamdlH_AFNWDeHuClEOqtyhT9Z75gyg3d1DFE0fX7yF5_ahrObbuhRCjZSfFq8YjqiOMM3e57KFHtFh0mRAdf8-saR4lNz_vC9qtIHRx8NvOYnaU5-mZTno04nfwDY/s320/G5-08a.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
Let's talk fantasies. One of mine was to have a fabulous home with an alcove housing a baby grand. Then I'd want Liberace to come and play all day for me.<br />
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Share one of your fantasies.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-17539753498423271842012-08-21T08:27:00.001-07:002012-08-21T08:27:29.250-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cats. I love them. Big. Small. Wild. Tame. Housecats. Big cats. Their all the same.<br />
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I love this picture. I crack up every time I see it. Cats have so much personality. Each one is different. For instance, the "baby" of my nine cats is the biggest--a twenty pounder, a bully, and the dirtiest (even though he is white). Then I've got one that's barely five pounds, pathetically thin, but a true survivor. I found him as a day old infant in the rabbit-brush out in Wyoming. That's a story in itself. There were many times as an infant I didn't think he'd live, but he's going on 15 years old. He's agile, independent, and non-aggressive. One likes to sprawl out on the back of the couch its legs dangling. Another wants legs curled under her. One likes to hang over the edge of a chair head first. Such individualists.<br />
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Do you love cats? Tell me your cat tales.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-23241003970241457142012-08-21T08:00:00.002-07:002012-08-21T08:00:17.710-07:00****I'm changing the blog. There's just too much out there on the craft of writing. So now, you'll get snippets of real writing. There may be serious posts. Funny posts. Off-the-wall posts. Who knows? Whatever this writer chooses to write about. Come spend a few minutes in Wonderland.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-53971432231063029332012-08-07T11:19:00.000-07:002012-08-07T11:19:40.039-07:00I'll be back someday<br />
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To those who think they have to post frequently, I say . . . uh, not me. I am busy working on the novel and studying my craft. Which would you rather have? Another blog post or something that is going to be the best novel I've written yet?</div>
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<img height="200" src="http://images.clipartof.com/small/11199-Gray-Haired-Secretary-Woman-Working-At-A-Computer-Desk-In-An-Office.jpg" width="173" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-61234069622988140982012-07-13T07:19:00.002-07:002012-07-13T07:19:41.285-07:00One, Two, Three, Four!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you noticed your hips spreading? Thunder thighs? Aches and pains? Sounds like a commercial, doesn't it?<br />
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Actually, writers who sit all day, need exercise. Not all of us can be slim jims who run, have gym memberships, or are fitness freaks. Some of us even have mobility problems. But that's not to say you can't work some fitness into your day.<br />
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Here's some easy exercises you can do in front of your computer.<br />
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<li>Hold your legs out straight. Slowly lower them to the floor. Do several times.</li>
<li>Hold your legs out straight. Flex your ankles back and forth. 10x</li>
<li>Hold your legs out straight. Rotate your ankles clockwise 10x then counterclockwise 10x.</li>
<li>Tilt your head to the left. Hold 5 seconds. Return to center. Tilt head to the right. Hold 5 seconds. 3x</li>
<li>Scrunch one shoulder up next to your ear, while forcing the opposite shoulder down. Reverse. 2x</li>
<li>Wrap your arms around the back of your chair. Tilt your head back. Now stretch. 2x</li>
<li>Clasp hands together. Raise over your head. Stretch. 2x</li>
<li>Dangle your left arm over your chair arm (if you have one, you don't have to have one to do this exercise). Bending from your waist, stretch as far as you can to the side. Return to sitting position. Repeat on right side. 2x</li>
<li>Not to forget your eyes! Looking straight ahead, raise your eyes (not your head!) up, then down, to the right, then the left. Return to center. Repeat. 2x</li>
<li>Get up and walk around every 15-20 minutes. This is a great time for that cup of coffee or bathroom break.</li>
</ul>
See how easy it is to get some exercise into your day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-14208648423502876892012-06-28T13:51:00.001-07:002012-06-28T13:51:38.930-07:00LESSONS LEARNED<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5nyUEI0j2cSg6SR9nxilVK_naFoSwi86cfrpbkzEArAkqm5aqjl-YLU9oMpxIoKIfA0zfsj5LqUKsmazfXKCvqWs7HhxhOHuKz0AoltJZz1gPbMbND98zj7n59JRJ7EsAzkElTxMZ2A/s1600/552733_465968056766071_2084269096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5nyUEI0j2cSg6SR9nxilVK_naFoSwi86cfrpbkzEArAkqm5aqjl-YLU9oMpxIoKIfA0zfsj5LqUKsmazfXKCvqWs7HhxhOHuKz0AoltJZz1gPbMbND98zj7n59JRJ7EsAzkElTxMZ2A/s200/552733_465968056766071_2084269096_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ORACON 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last Saturday was ORACON (Ozark Romance Authors Conference) in Springfield, MO. I hadn't planned on going this year, but the contest coordinator hounded me until I figured okay--it's only three hours away.<br />
<br />
I've touted conferences before and I'm touting this one today. This one day conference hosted Jennifer Brown (YA), Leigh Michaels (Harlequin author) , and Steven Law (Yuma Gold western). Two agents Cori Deyoe and Lucienne Diver were present for pitches. And look at this fabulous lunch buffet. As if that wasn't enough afternoon snacks were provided. And the raffle baskets are always fabulous.<br />
<br />
So, what was learned? 1. Competition is getting worse. You are competing with eight million other books. 2.E-books are the way to go. But you also must promote, promote, promote. Or another way of saying that is sell, sell, sell. 3. QR's (those weird little code boxes that are popping up on everything) are needed. Even you yourself do not own a smartphone, you can still obtain a QR by Googling QR generators. For those who are still trying to figure out what I'm talking about, here's an example:<br />
<img height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Wikipedia_mobile_en.svg/220px-Wikipedia_mobile_en.svg.png" width="200" />When you obtain a QR code with your website or product/book, the smartphone will scan the code and directly load the webpage. An easy way to link author to product to public.<br />
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Now I've got one more thing I'm going to have to save my pennies for and learn how to do. How about you? Is all this tech stuff going too fast to keep up?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-37060695680992351082012-06-09T10:55:00.000-07:002012-06-09T11:00:40.224-07:00BOOK BANNING NEXT?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbN-9ijAz5Ci16QNl2p9V6W0dR7SZ3ZOp5Ivi-sD-RkcmW5V2A_9djl4qeMNGsQck1JxjX_7sAcRDGLRwd9oDjzQdm_CYgKWaBVnANQ3jsn3Bi08VKTE4QilGicA8aHad11WtFir4FsM/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbN-9ijAz5Ci16QNl2p9V6W0dR7SZ3ZOp5Ivi-sD-RkcmW5V2A_9djl4qeMNGsQck1JxjX_7sAcRDGLRwd9oDjzQdm_CYgKWaBVnANQ3jsn3Bi08VKTE4QilGicA8aHad11WtFir4FsM/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
In lieu of the recent move by New York's Governor banning super-sized soda drinks, I have to wonder what next? Will books eventually see their demise? No joke. When I think of how our personal freedoms are being taken away little by little and we lean more and more toward socialism, what's to say that the day won't come when books will be banned? And if there is any print material it will be dictated to us what can be printed and what can be read. I can see it now. Publishers blacklisting anyone who infringes on the rules. Government policings. Burnings in the town square.<br />
<br />
Stupid. Preposterous, you say. But look at the news. An American wants to fly the American flag and their homeowners association sues and says "no-no-no, or we'll evict you". What about the child who brings a Bible to school? What about how you must maintain your property? Or what about eminent domain? Just because it hasn't hit your neighborhood doesn't mean it can't and won't happen. I can see where book banning could fit in. It reminds me the movie <i>Fahrenheit 451</i>. Are you familiar with it?<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">G </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">uy Montag is a fireman</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> who burns books in a futuristic American city. In Montag’s world, firemen start fires rather than putting them out. The people in this society do not read books, enjoy nature, spend time by themselves, think independently, or have meaningful conversations. Instead, they drive very fast, watch excessive amounts of television on wall-size sets, and listen to the radio on “Seashell Radio” sets attached to their ears.</span> </span>(<a href="http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/451/summary.html">http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/451/summary.html</a>)<br />
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Hmm, maybe Bradbury was prophetic.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-87366011461423974652012-06-09T08:26:00.001-07:002012-06-09T08:26:21.564-07:00WILD VINES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNpu8qF6nx7YhvyC2yTGlJLqsKaxQ4TSZcYPndpEvxStuy1r1AgBs0nizhFajpNKJs_SXbOe1bGg6IULbbNKZ5wi6tLFePhWwQ8i8TIIOigb7nTPprkYOs7kIR8j_g1HwL2es3cZUs-I/s1600/k1641845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNpu8qF6nx7YhvyC2yTGlJLqsKaxQ4TSZcYPndpEvxStuy1r1AgBs0nizhFajpNKJs_SXbOe1bGg6IULbbNKZ5wi6tLFePhWwQ8i8TIIOigb7nTPprkYOs7kIR8j_g1HwL2es3cZUs-I/s200/k1641845.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
What does wine have to do with writing? Nothing. And I don't advocate drinking to become a better writer. However, I do have to toot my horn. I just discovered Wild Vines Wines. These are light, sipping wines full of fruit flavor. The Blackberry Merlot is to die for. The Raspberry Zin is great too. There's two or three others I haven't tried yet. So, if you like a nice glass of wine with dinner or after dinner or just to relax with, I'm personally crusading for Wild Vines. Try it. I guarantee you'll like it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-80924332137120264362012-05-29T05:31:00.003-07:002012-05-29T05:31:30.462-07:00Back soonI'll be back soon. Between hubby having pneumonia and me some kind of summer crud and a few computer problems, just haven't been up to keeping the blog. Be back soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-70121765474323523312012-05-09T08:45:00.000-07:002012-05-09T08:45:03.960-07:00GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGudGgQXsN9fNvKPsvCbAtHJON1e20qMqceRcP5-ZaoN-UKardVbu1go_PxuF8KYc3pBgU6tE1voRRrO6Vyu1K7JKEzBWC6n_06AFm4IYNtKDWUTBYdbhOZz8N5h1dx4Yf8BHCFUSrbnE/s1600/sheilah+roenfeldt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGudGgQXsN9fNvKPsvCbAtHJON1e20qMqceRcP5-ZaoN-UKardVbu1go_PxuF8KYc3pBgU6tE1voRRrO6Vyu1K7JKEzBWC6n_06AFm4IYNtKDWUTBYdbhOZz8N5h1dx4Yf8BHCFUSrbnE/s200/sheilah+roenfeldt.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The kids are screaming, your teen is hounding you about not being late for soccor practice, your husband calls telling you he's bringing a client home, the phone is ringing off the hook, someone stops in "just for a minute" that turns into an hour or more and other scenarios are often mainstream living for a writer.<br />
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But today, I want you to dream a little. What would be your perfect writing spot? On the beach? A cozy lodge like the one on the right? A primitive cabin? Do you want to be totally isolated? Do you want to meet with a group of like-minded individuals after x amount of being alone? Or does the stimulation of short sessions together only to be broken up with swim time, water sports--canoeing/kayaking, horseback trail rides and the like interest you? And your evenings, want them spent by a fireplace with others sipping wine? Bonfire parties? Tours of the town/interesting sites?<br />
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Actually, you can find just about any of these if you search the Web. One thing to keep in mind about a writer's retreat is you are expected to work, if not on your WIP, something else. Some retreats are set up like workshops with time for writing, time for read-arounds/critiques, and then socializing. Others let you be as isolated as you desire.<br />
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If you truly want to get away from it, leave your cell phone at home or at least leave it off with the exception of perhaps one hour.<i> Remember, you're trying to get away from the distractions.</i><br />
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So, how do you find a writer's retreat? Just Google it. Or at www.shawguides.com you can find conferences, workshops and retreats (although the latter are few).<br />
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What's a retreat cost? I hate to interrupt your dream, but most of them are rather pricey. But wouldn't you put out some bucks for a mini-vacation? Think of them that way. There's retreats starting at $100/night up to and over $1000/night. Something for everyone.<br />
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So, where do you want to go?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-3192513765495807262012-05-04T07:57:00.003-07:002012-05-04T07:57:57.905-07:00STRUTTING YOUR STUFF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Are you a shy writer? Would you rather write than perform? Dread having to talk about yourself? Cringe if you have to give a talk or read your poems in front of a crowd? Many of us are. But here's some tips to help you:<br />
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<b>1.</b> People are receptive. Relax, you're not on trial. Banish those thoughts of I'm not good enough, what will they say, everyone is looking at me, or whatever you're telling yourself to make you nervous. So what if not everyone likes your work? That's why there are so many of us--different strokes for different folks. And face it, would you really rather they looked at the walls? Of course not! If you are faced with reading your work or reciting a poem or doing a presentation, RELAX and remember there are those in the audience who do not even have your expertise/knowledge. You ARE good enough.<br />
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<b>2</b>. Be prepared. Go over your presentation several times ALOUD. Better yet, if you can record yourself, do so. It will help you discover where you are talking too fast, too slow, using those pesky "and uh"s (the sign of a poor public speaker) and where you should be taking a breath. If you mumble, slur words, etc. PRACTICE beforehand. Enunciate. While it may sound strange to you to speak so precise the clarity will be appreciated by your audience and you will sound much more sophisticated.<br />
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<b>3</b>. Don't be a mouse. You must speak up so you can be heard.<br />
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<b>4</b>. Leave time for your words to sink in. This may only be a moment or two in poetry/book readings by several poets/authors or longer in the case of a presentation.<br />
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<b>5</b>. Be open for questioning. Who knows your work better than you do? And it is no sin to say "I don't know" or "I'm not familiar with that". In this fast paced world we live in, we cannot expect a person to know everything.<br />
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<b>6</b>. <b>Relax. Relax. Relax. </b>If no one wanted to hear you, they wouldn't be there in the first place<b>.</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-28594035169728227322012-04-16T07:03:00.000-07:002012-04-16T07:03:00.253-07:00Green Grammar 2Is your grammar a little green? Does it need a little polishing? Did you take the quiz. If so, here's the answers:<br />
1. <b> father-in-law's </b> Rule: For compound words, use the correct possessive form for the word closest to the noun.<br />
2. <b>children's </b>Rule: Use apostrophe 's when showing possession for plural nouns not ending in s.<br />
3. <b> Bill's and Bandy's </b>Rule: Make both words possessive to show individual ownership.<br />
4. <b>is</b> Rule: The phrases "as well as," "along with" and "together with" modify the noun. Because they don't make a compound subject, use the proper verb for the noun, which is the singular "third grade class".<br />
5.<b> is </b>Rule: When used alone, "pants" requires a plural verb. In this sentence, the subject is "pair" which requires a singular verb.<br />
6. <b>manufactures </b>Rule: Treat titles as a singular subject even when the title itself is plural.<br />
7. <b>do</b> Rule: When using "neither/nor" or "either/or" the verb agrees with the closest subject, which is "Emily" in this sentence.<br />
8. <b>English,art and three </b>Rule:Capitalize words derived from proper nouns.<br />
9. <b>president Governor </b>Rule: Capitalize titles of high-ranking govt. officials when used with or before their names. Don't capitalize the civil title if it's used instead of a name.<br />
10. <b>North </b> Rule: Capitalize North, South, East and West when referring to regions. Use lowercase when indicating directions, i.e. The storm is moving north east.<br />
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<b>Envious i</b>s when you want something that belongs to someone else.<br />
<b>Jealous i</b>s used to describe the fear of losing something you possess;suspicion of rivalry or unfaithfulness; an intense effort to hold on to what you possess.<br />
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<b>Allusion</b> is an indirect reference.<br />
<b>Illusion</b> is a deceptive appearance, mirage, hallucination, trick.<br />
<b>Delusion </b>is false, often perilous belief.<br />
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<b>Honed</b> is to sharpen.<br />
<b>Homed</b> is to move toward a destination with accuracy.<br />
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I know two or three tricked me. I think part of the reason we have trouble with grammar is because of the way we talk. We don't use proper English when we speak. Often we don't enunciate. Sometimes regional dialects make it difficult to know whether the word is being used correctly. But that doesn't excuse us as writers from not using proper grammar.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-17489033263250688702012-04-14T10:44:00.000-07:002012-04-14T10:44:04.262-07:00GREEN GRAMMAR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVuU_u1lM3Ykz96v0hzyKZOAqcyvJa2nL548mycBcrMoQdOzw4pPVt66PXrJEpZnoo5uzKLko_RfsSoSSkqO7uZ5OmErI-FkLiDTPDoWDcY5Ko72MytXuPXiOte3UKSpOBqgIZPDfHR4/s1600/oz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVuU_u1lM3Ykz96v0hzyKZOAqcyvJa2nL548mycBcrMoQdOzw4pPVt66PXrJEpZnoo5uzKLko_RfsSoSSkqO7uZ5OmErI-FkLiDTPDoWDcY5Ko72MytXuPXiOte3UKSpOBqgIZPDfHR4/s200/oz.jpg" width="200" /></a>Grammar and punctuation, the bane of many writers.<br />
Just how important is correct grammar? Spelling? Punctuation? I just finished a book by a fairly well known writer and found it rather appalling to find the word spelt. Since it was a western, I assume he wanted spelled as in "He spelled me for awhile." Spelt is a grain. I also found some other errors, but I'm not going to elaborate. Let's face it, when we've looked at our ms for the twentieth time, sometimes the words just blur through our glazed-over eyes.<br />
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However it is our duty as writers to--sigh,yes, one more thing to consume our precious time--review the rules of grammar and punctuation. Spelling is simply a matter of taking a moment to either look it up or use spell check And realize that spell-check is not the end-all. You certainly wouldn't want to read "Witch is it?" Readability depends on our getting things right.<br />
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That said, here's a little quiz. See how you do.<br />
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Choose which word (in bold) is correct.<br />
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1. My <b>father's-in-law/father-in-law's </b>tenth reunion is next weekend.<br />
2. The <b>children's/childrens'</b> Sunday School class will present a play next Sunday.<br />
3. <b>Bill's and Bandy's/Bill and Bandy's</b> projects were the same.<br />
4. The fourth grade class, along with their parents, <b>are/is</b> on a field trip today.<br />
5. Nate's favorite pair of pants <b>are/is</b> in the wash.<br />
6. General Motors <b>manufactures/manufacture</b> Chevrolets, Pontiacs and other brands.<br />
7. Neither Clayton <b>or/nor </b>Emily <b>does/do</b> the laundry.<br />
8. Emily signed up for <b>english/English, art/Art </b>and three electives.<br />
9. The <b>president/President</b> stayed with <b>governor/Governor</b> Huckabee during his fishing trip.<br />
10. Candy was eager to leave the <b>north/North</b> due to its long, cold winter.<br />
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Know the difference between <b>Envious </b>and <b>Jealous</b>?<br />
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Know the difference between <b>Allusion, Illusion</b> and <b>Delusion</b>?<br />
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Here's one I see misused a lot. <b>Home and Hone</b>. Which is correct?<br />
Ron <b>honed/homed</b> in on his gardening skills.<br />
The police <b>honed/homed</b> in on the perpetrator.<br />
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I'll be back in a day or two with the correct answers. Meanwhile, if you got every one right, go to the head of the class. Miss a couple? A little review might be needed. Miss more than four? Hit the books!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-36096269402200444932012-04-09T11:22:00.002-07:002012-04-09T11:22:54.563-07:00Contests--Pro or Con?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HdGHlmRVF19kwbQxxLx-rGIkx7JCpywz-236EnpsMvW0PkMVBRNgyCQgYTmagHy4P_Ls3GuV9hCwZ9uGeOvndOb27TH-LjqYD6O1TTNRmWa4AU4ZZcUX7R9qnOkMpd42e89zDXsfqsc/s1600/dollar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HdGHlmRVF19kwbQxxLx-rGIkx7JCpywz-236EnpsMvW0PkMVBRNgyCQgYTmagHy4P_Ls3GuV9hCwZ9uGeOvndOb27TH-LjqYD6O1TTNRmWa4AU4ZZcUX7R9qnOkMpd42e89zDXsfqsc/s1600/dollar.jpg" /></a> Do you enter writing contests? Many writers do. And yet, unbelieveably, I know a couple writers who refuse to enter contests. I fail to understand their rationale--they think it is a waste of time as contests are subjectively judged (if the judge likes a certain form and you write in rhymed couplets you'll probably be disqualified or it's just a matter of what the judge likes). This is true up to a point. But most judges are open to all forms of poetry or writing styles; it is the skill that is exhibited in the ms that counts. The naysayers also say why write for a pittance, I'm holding out for the big bucks with my novel.<br />
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So are they worth it? This is just my take, but I find contests vital. Not only are you competing to win a few bucks (sometimes very substantial bucks!) but judges become familiar with your name. If the contest publishes the winning contents, that's another feather in your cap. The more your name becomes familiar, the better chance of eventual fame.<br />
<br />That said there are a couple GOLDEN RULES you should never break. Follow the rules! If they ask for a max of 2000 words, don't think you can squeak by with 2005 words. Some contests want your personal info in the left hand corner of one copy, with nothing on your ms. copy. Others want the info on the right hand corner. Others want your personal info on a cover letter. Follow the directions explicitly or you may be disqualified and you have only yourself to blame. And don't forget your SASE!<br />
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That said I thought I'd list a few current contests that welcome beginners to pros. Good luck!<br />
<a _yuid="yui_3_1_1_3_133399507327771" href="http://sevenhillsreview.submishmash.com/submit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://sevenhillsreview.submishmash.com/submit</a><br />
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<a _yuid="yui_3_1_1_3_133399516536369" href="http://www.wordharvest.com/contest.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span _yuid="yui_3_1_1_3_133399516536368" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1333994569_0">http://www.wordharvest.com/contest.php</span></a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-74347991076544843022012-03-30T02:00:00.000-07:002012-03-30T02:00:08.214-07:00Mother Nature,The Muse and IdeasDo you believe in a muse? I do. I can't describe her though; she's somewhere between an angel, Glenda the Good Witch (Wizard of Oz) and Mother Nature (from that old TV Parkay commercial). Regardless of what she looks like, when she is with me, she is supportive and encouraging me onward. Other days, it seems like I take two steps forward only to take three steps back. But. . .<br />
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I'm here to talk about ideas. Where do you get your ideas from? Specifically, how do you keep track of them?<br />
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Many writers keep a notebook by their bed to record thoughts or dreams. Ann LaMott carried a 3x5 card in her pocket. Having something that small with a pen or pencil in your pocket is a good way to capture an idea you may want to use later.<br />
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I've read where you should write down 2-3 words that will remind you of your idea. If you can recall your idea that way you are indeed better than I. If I looked at a scrap months later that read: dog is wolf, I would not be able to recall my original thoughts or where I was going with the idea. I need a good paragraph with a clue where this is leading me, i.e. seen a dog chained at house, dog/wolf/hybrid?, owner confirmed wolf, told me how acquired, etc.From there I can choose to write fiction, a poem, or an article on whether it is right to keep wolves as domestic pets. I need to put down where I might go with this information.<br />
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Another method of keeping track of ideas is to use a voice recorder (tapeless) or tape recorder. I just bought one; I'll let you know how well this works. How do you keep track of your ideas?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701128691703750945.post-51247383279664236602012-03-29T07:00:00.000-07:002012-03-29T07:00:03.021-07:00Wash your hands<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNBK1lr67B9emKfISkotkZGhVJegnVy-k8uizmcvuPAurOg4EPMYamhoGbrF0iY92pGgyGdNMGJ2WnEqi_nxUBfs2RNRdYI8kBdf4ATi5SRXVI-MxhVAABoyC_7fsGZnq8DC2gBWo-34/s1600/3letters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNBK1lr67B9emKfISkotkZGhVJegnVy-k8uizmcvuPAurOg4EPMYamhoGbrF0iY92pGgyGdNMGJ2WnEqi_nxUBfs2RNRdYI8kBdf4ATi5SRXVI-MxhVAABoyC_7fsGZnq8DC2gBWo-34/s200/3letters.jpg" width="200" /></a>Many beginner writers send out a ms. and then wait, wait, worry, wonder, wait. Forget about it! All that stress should have been done before hand, polishing and making your ms. the very best it can be. Once you've mailed it out, it is out of your hands and best put out of your mind.<br />
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Now then, about the eighth or tenth rejection, you may want to look it over again. If anyone has been kind enough to offer you suggestions to improve it, take it to heart, mull it over, make changes. Yes, the wait and worry and wonder will still exist, but the best piece of writerly advice is get busy working on something else.<br />
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Heard about the rule of 13? Some writers swear if you keep thirteen mss. floating around at editors, publishers, etc. that eventually one will pick up on one. It took me a while to write enough to keep thirteen going all the time and sometimes it is more like ten, but I strive to keep plenty of material out there.<br />
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Meanwhile, even as I write, I still look forward to the mailperson each day and feel a twinge of disappointment when there is no news. But hey! that's what being a writer is all about.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0