2010 Stop/Start Update: It's only been a week since the beginning of the new year, but I'm already making headway on my "Stop *itching and start pitching" goal to eliminate clutter and get more organized. Yesterday I put away Christmas decorations and finished taking down the tree, ran several errands, and read a few chapters of a book written by the author I'm writing interview questions for by Monday--and reviewing by Thursday.
But, what have I done for You lately? How about a contest to win a copy of Mysteries of the Ozarks (Volume I)?
The anthology has nineteen short stories from writers with a connection to the Ozarks. It was published several years ago and includes "The Shape of a Heart," a short story of mine. I was paid cash (a check, actually) for the story when it was published--and even received a royalty check later on. The publisher (Skyward) has since gone out of business, but as the company was selling off assets, Ellen Gray Massey, the editor of the Mysteries of the Ozarks series, purchased several boxes of the anthology. She called to tell me she was selling contributors' copies at her cost--but I would have to come get them. Ellen lives in Lebanon, Missouri. So, the summer before last, Walt, the kids, and I stopped by Ellen's while returning from a vacation in Branson. I bought (actually Ellen was almost giving them away, it was such a deep discount) several copies of the anthology--which, except for the ones I have already donated to charities--are sitting in a box in my bedroom.So, here's what I'm going to do that will help us both. I will give away one copy of the Mysteries of the Ozarks (Vol I) to someone who posts on my blog between now and the end of the month. That way I'll get more organized, and you can win a book with 19 wonderful mystery stories. The winner's name will be picked at random. Good luck!
Yea, toss my name in your hat for the drawing for a book; I like anything Ozarks.
ReplyDeleteThe mailman just came to the door with a small load of not much. Sadly, it included a rejection from the Saturday Evening Post and a letter that said they were going to increase use of fiction. But they wanted upcoming stories to match themes of Art in America and America's Infrastructure-nothing in a short story comes to my mind. Maybe some of your readers have a story at hand for such themes.
I am suffering a little of Becky's angst at writing in the cold. I have done a little bit of writing, but nothing inspiring. I did do a poem that I thought good; Hubby (not a good critic) even admitted it "decent" but then wanted to know what I was going "to actually do with it"? Well, I sent it off to a contest, but I love whether they do or not!
The mail also carried two writer magazines. I guess if I am not writing, I will read about writing!
It was -15 wind chill here last night. We are drinking enough hot tea to float a air craft carrier! Stay warm in the East!
Thanks for the info, Donna, and great comments, Claudia!! I'm honored to have my blog mentioned....even if it was about being lazy today! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia,
ReplyDeleteI've got your name down for the contest, and thanks for the info about Saturday Evening Post increasing its fiction. I will check it out.
Donna
Hi Becky,
ReplyDeleteYour blog is always fun to read!
Today is a lazy kind of day--too cold to venture outside--but I'm managing to get some things done around the house. Just took a meatloaf out of the oven and scratched down some notes for a flash fiction story.
Brrrr.
Donna
You clever girl. Great way to de-clutter!
ReplyDeleteHi Pat,
ReplyDeleteThanks. And I've got your name down as an entrant.
Donna
Mmmm...meatloaft sounds wonderful! Why didn't I think of that? Actually, I had a salad for lunch (still have that "lose the rest of the weight" part of my plan, too!)And for supper...not sure yet. May just open a can of soup!
ReplyDeleteDid you put my name down for the contest, too?
C'mon, Donna, go crazy with the de-cluttering and give away a mess of books! 'Cause I'm a sucker for all things mysterious, wherever they are. Anyway, please add my name and I'll keep my fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm very impressed with your busy-beaver work ethic! (Although, here in the South, it's bad luck to keep a tree up after New Year's. I have no idea why. Also, I'm pretty sure rushing to take my tree down has never increased my luck. On the other hand, I don't like to take any chances...)
Hi Becky,
ReplyDeleteGot you down for the contest.
Donna
Hi Cathy,
ReplyDeleteYour name is in the running, and your suggestion about giving away more than one book is a good one. I'll see what else I can come up with by the end of the month.
Regional and family traditions are so interesting. Our family always waited until after the Epiphany (Jan 6) to take down the tree; I guess that's why we do the same. Back in the olden days our spindly tree was about barren by then. The pine needles were so dry, even though Mom always mixed Karo syrup with water she poured into the tree stand.
Donna
Hey Donna. When I was a little girl, we always kept our tree up until Jan. 6th as well. The feast of The Epiphany, and MY birthday! And I only discovered a couple of years ago, that the 6th of January is THE 12th Day of Christmas...you know...the song! Start with Dec. 26, count 12 days, and voila'....Jan 6th!
ReplyDeleteHi Becky,
ReplyDeleteA belated happy birthday to you!
Speacking of birthdays, you just missed Elvis's birthday by one day. Can you believe he was 75 yesterday?
Donna
Hi Donna, I frequent your blog and love the Ozarks. Toss my name in the hat.
ReplyDeleteLinda O'Connell http://lindaoconnell.blogspot.com/
Hi Donna. I would love to win a copy of the book. I Enjoy your blog even if I don't comment much.
ReplyDeleteHave a good evening.
Jackie
Hi Linda and Jackie,
ReplyDeleteGot you both down for the book contest.
I'm glad to hear you are regular visitors.
Take care,
Donna
Good morning Donna, warmer weather is on its way.
ReplyDeletePlease throw my name in the hat. Thanks
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteIt's warmed up a bit here, too, and should be above freezing for the first time in 2010 by mid-week.
I got you down for the contest.
Donna