Advent by Candlelight and the Great St. Nicholas Day Debate

Celtic Advent wreath

Last evening our church (All Saints in St. Peters) hosted its eleventh annual Advent by Candlelight celebration for the women in our parish--and beyond our parish borders.

Advent is a time of anticipation and wonder. The Advent by Candlelight celebration is an evening of quiet reflection, prayers, music, and inspiration--along with the sharing of food and friendship.

In years past, our table has been filled with people I know; it's been a delightful and comfortable evening. This year was a bit different. A few women from our Bunco group (that's been going strong for 43 years) weren't able to attend, so we had empty spots at our table. What made the evening special was I met Diana and Mindy, two women who belong to our parish I'd never met before who sat with our group.

We all shared food and drink and stories and recipes. I brought chicken salad sandwiches on croissants and some port wine cheese. Cheryl brought raspberry moscato wine and a beef ball and crackers. My sister Kathleen provided all the table wear, and her rumchata pudding shots were a big hit. Everyone asked for her recipe! Geri brought dessert and some sweets to take home. Diana provided fruit salad with whipped cream topping. Mindy served cheese and salami and crackers. The menu was unplanned, but it all worked!

In between eating. listening to songs and music, and prayerful reflection, I spoke with Diana, a retired nurse who sat next to me. She had some wonderful stories to share, including one about how she and her husband met and how they love putting puzzles together and how the puzzles became so special to them and their marriage. She also told me about her miracle baby son, who is now in his early 30s. She also shared a few sad stories. Her eyes glistened with tears, so I listened and patted her hand. 

Everyone at our table also discussed St. Nicholas Day. Mindy asked what she should tell her daughter about when to put out her granddaughter's shoes. We talked about the origin of St. Nicholas Day and why we put out the shoes, but the great St. Nicholas debate continues.

Do you put out your shoes on December fifth so St. Nicholas can fill them up for the sixth, which is St. Nicholas Day? Or, do you put them out the night of December sixth because that's the actual day?

"Santa Wore Cowboy Boots"

Toward the end of the night a woman walked up and introduced herself. She asked if I was Donna Volkenannt, the writer, which surprised me. She told me she had heard me speak at a writing event several years ago and had read one of my stories and it inspired her.

It was a Christmas story called "Santa Wore Cowboy Boots" that I wrote about 15 years ago for a Cup of Comfort book. That story dealt with my depression about being homesick at Christmas time while living in Arizona so far away from my family and how my mood affected my children, especially my son, who that year taught me the true meaning of Christmas.

The woman had an unusual last name so I asked her if she was related to a man I used to work with before I was married, who happens to be her husband's uncle. Turns out it's a small and wonderful world, and we never know what to expect.

So, while the question lingers on when to put your children's or grandchildren's shoes out for St. Nicholas Day, the Advent season remains a special time -- of reflection and expectation and delight at our wonderful world.

Merry Christmas to "Santa Wore Cowboy Boots" Commenters --You All Are Winners

Thanks to everyone who left a comment on my post and asked for their names to be put in the hat to win a copy of my story "Santa Wore Cowboy Boots" which appeared in A Cup of Comfort for Christmas. In the spirit of Christmas, I decided that rather than just selecting a few names at random I would send a copy of the story to each person who left a comment.

So the winners are

 Bookie (Claudia)

Sally

Linda

Sioux

Melissa

Val

Janet

Carol

If you all will e-mail me at dvolkenannt (at) charter.net with your name and mailing address I will get your copy in the mail right away.

Merry Christmas, and thanks for continuing to visit my blog and sharing your thoughts and encouraging me to continue writing.

Donna 

Update on Last Night's Author Open House at Middendorf-Kredell Branch Library

The author open house at the Middendorf-Kredell branch library in O'Fallon last night was fun and rewarding in unexpected ways.

Because of extended carpool duty, I arrived an hour after the official starting time, so all the tables were taken, except for the long table up front that had been used for registration. The other authors had already arrived--most of them more than an hour and a half before I got there. I felt like I was sneaking into church late on Christmas Eve. No empty spots and no chance to blend in with the crowd.

Sara N., who spearheaded the event, offered me the head table and even moved it back a bit so I wouldn't look like a Walmart greeter welcoming patrons as the entered the library. It was kind of cool because I was able to observe a lot.

It appeared there were around 30 or so eager authors sitting behind tables spread out all over the library, mostly talking to other authors, family members, or friends. I was happy to visit with some writing friends and reacquaint with a few writers I hadn't seen in some time.

There were healthy and yummy snacks and tasty lemonade, which came in handy when I got a coughing fit. At the snack table, I stepped aside to make room for some cute kids who cleaned out the chocolate chip cookies. After the cookies were gone, one blond haired, blue eyed toddler walked over to my table to see what I was eating. I offered him a carrot stick. With a  chocolate-smeared face he made an immediate grimace then ran to grab some cheese and crackers.

A little later, an older boy asked if he could have one of my books, just as his mom told him he couldn't buy anything. He asked if I'd be back some other time because he really, really wanted a book. I felt bad but didn't want to come between a mom and a child begging for her to buy him something. Before she could tell him she didn't have any money, I gave him a one-page, double-sided printed copy of a story of mine called "Santa Wore Cowboy Boots" that was published in A Cup of Comfort for Christmas several years ago.

At our parish's Advent Candelight Service on Monday night, copies of my story were given out to attendees, and I grabbed a few extras and brought them with me to the library as giveaways. The middle-grader (I'm guessing) seemed happy to have something--anything of his own--to take home.

After he left I remembered there is a sentence in the story about how my then 12-year-old daughter Julie no longer believed in Santa. Hope the young man is already past the believing in Santa stage. If not, I nominate myself for the Grinch award.

As usual, Sara did a wonderful job planning and organizing the annual event. The only complaints I heard were from a woman who wondered why she got a tiny table when she arrived at 4:30, and a gentleman who complained about traffic. No matter how great things are there always will be someone who will complain.

At the end of the evening Sara told me she was pleased that so many authors donated copies of their books for a silent auction sponsored by the St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers for Artists and Authors next week.  Since most of my stories appeal primarily to women, I wasn't sure what to donate, so I gave Sara a signed copy of A Cup of Comfort for Military Families, with my story "Welcome Home," which would be appropriate for either a man or a woman.

My writing and critique group friend Marcia kept me company for the evening. I also was in shouting distance of Joy, a writing friend I've known for several years but hadn't seen in quite a while. Mary, one of my IVV (in vino veritas) group pals, was there briefly but had to leave for a school event. Before Mary left, Joy asked us for comments on a book cover she is contemplating, and we gave her some suggestions. It was just like old times.

Although these events aren't always profitable from a monetary standpoint, they are fufilling and rewarding in other important ways: supporting the library, sharing stories and snacks, catching up with old friends, meeting library patrons, but most of all being surrounded by books and book lovers.

Announcement: Winner of A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors Book

Once again I want to thank Alice Muschany for taking the time to let me interview her, but even more so thanks for her courage, grace, and generosity.

Also, thanks to everyone who left a comment--and those who tried to leave comments but were unable to. I believe I posted all the comments I received from e-mails in the comment section so no one would be left out of the random drawing to win a signed copy of A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors, which includes Alice's heartwarming story, "Hidden Treasures."

The name selected at random to win the book is . . .

LYNN

So, Lynn, if you will please e-mail me at dvolkenannt (at) charter.net I will make arrangements to get the book to you.

Thanks again everyone for their support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Interview with Alice Muschany, and A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors Giveaway

In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, I have a very special guest today --- Alice Muschany. Alice is a wife, mother, sister, an aunt, grandmother, writer --- and a 15-year breast cancer survivor!

Donna: Welcome, Alice! Thanks for being so generous by agreeing to be interviewed on my blog and for donating a copy of A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors as a giveaway.

Alice and I are writing friends who have belonged to the same critique group for several years. She is funny and warm and generous--and an excellent proofreader and editor. A few of the guys in our critique group describe Alice as having “the fastest red pen west of the Mississippi.”

Donna: In” Hidden Treasures” you write about your battle with late stage III breast cancer after being diagnosed at the age of forty-four. Your story is sad, yet uplifting with touches of humor. You are the picture of health and have been cancer free for fifteen years. Please tell us: how you’re doing now?

Alice: Other than my annual checkup with my oncologist, I’m too busy enjoying my eight grandchildren to worry about cancer. The disease taught me to live in the moment. I do try to exercise and eat right, not that I pass up birthday cake or holiday feasts. After all, you never know…

Donna: Living in the moment works for me, and I know how much you love your grandchildren. Besides you, several members of your family have been diagnosed with breast cancer, yet you are a family of survivors who have handled the disease with courage and grace. What advice do you have for someone who has been diagnosed?

Alice: I’m passionate about talking with newly diagnosed patients. I advise them to find a doctor they trust and tell them not to be afraid to ask questions. But, I admit it’s much harder when it hits close to home. Since me, my youngest sister, Betty battled breast cancer twice and my sister Jeanie just finished treatments after undergoing a double mastectomy. But you’re right—we’re a family of survivors. And Betty’s daughter is now enrolled in oncology in Boston. Our very own oncologist. How wonderful!

Donna: Great advice, and it is wonderful that your niece is studying to become an oncologist! What can you tell us about yourself: your family, your career, your hobbies, etc?

Alice: Fortunately my children all live close by which means I get to spoil my grandchildren rotten and send them back home. After 42 years at the same company, I’m within a year of retiring and can’t wait for more free time to hike, bike, write and take pictures.

Donna: I know about spoiling grandchildren. It is fun, and your being so close to retiring sounds wonderful, especially after being at the same place for 42 years. I hope you can do it soon. Now, on to questions about writing: When did you decide to become a writer?

Alice: Even as a teenager, I enjoyed creating silly poems and homemade cards. I also kept journals and still do so today. Journals make wonderful writing ammunition. I can quote stuff my fourteen year old grandson said when he was only two.

Donna: In addition to your Cup of Comfort story you are an Opinion Shaper for a local newspaper and have several others in Chicken Soup for the Soul books as well as being an award-winning photographer. Please tell us about some of your publishing credits.

Alice: I’m the proudest of my first publication. So many courageous women share their plight in Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors. But most of my essays that appear in the Suburban Journal and Chicken Soup are written about normal everyday life with a sprinkle of humor. Lord knows we could all use a good laugh.

Donna: You are right about needing a good laugh. I'm amazed at how smoothly you weave humor into the essays you read during critique group. Speaking of which; you’ve belonged to a few critique groups, and I'm happy to say you have belonged to the same one as I do for several years. You are such a quick and helpful critiquer. What advice do you have for someone looking for a critique group?

Alice: Find one that fits. Some are too soft and prevent you from growing. Others are too hard leaving you intimidated and uncomfortable sharing your work. Don’t give up. There’s a group out there somewhere that’s just right for you.

Donna: What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Alice: The best lesson I learned is polish, polish, polish and then polish some more.

Donna: What’s the worst writing advice you've ever received?

Alice: The worst was that my style needed to be changed. In my writing sessions, for instance, we have several who are difficult to critique simply because no one wants to mess with their exceptional voice. Even without a name on the paperwork, I’d recognize the author’s unique style. Moral of the story: Be your polished self.

Donna: Great advice, Alice. Stick to your style and don't change your voice. What does your writing schedule look like, and what are you working on now?

Alice: My motto is submit, submit, submit. Chicken Soup has had so many new call-outs, I’m constantly racking my brain for ideas. Since March, I’ve submitted ten stories, and currently have one coming out in the November Food & Love and another that’s made the first round for the March Mother/Daughter. Today I’ve sent off two essays (and yes it’s the midnight hour) with fingers crossed.

Donna: Congratulations on your recent acceptances! That's two more Chicken Soup credits to add to your long list of accomplishments. Your passion for writing and submitting is inspiring. I need to take some lessons. Last question: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Alice: Just that I am a huge believer in critique groups. If you have eight members, and all eight tweak a word here and there, it has a huge impact, especially on a short piece. I also feel I learn as much from editing as I do from fellow writers’ critiques.

Donna: I agree about learning about writing by editing. Thanks again, Alice, for your courage, for your words of wisdom, and for donating a copy to give away on my blog this week.

If you would like to win a signed copy of A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors, please leave a comment between now and October 9. The stories in the book are inspiring, and it makes a thoughtful gift if you know someone who has been diagnosed with the disease.

The name of one lucky winner will be picked at random. I will post the winner's name on October 10. Be sure and leave your e-mail address in your comment so I know how to contact you. Good luck! 

Happy Birthday, Walt, Cup of Comfort for Military Families Giveaway

Today is my husband Walt's birthday.

Walt is a naturalized citizen, who served in the U. S. Air Force, and spent a year in Vietnam. The year from Jan 1970 to Jan 1971 was a long time for us both--and for our baby daughter Julie. When he left for Vietnam she was two months old, and when he returned she was already talking and walking--and running.

In honor of Walt's birthday, and since yesterday was Fourth of July, I thought it would be fitting to give away an autographed copy of A Cup of Comfort for Military Families, which includes "Welcome Home," a true story about Walt.

To be entered in the giveaway, leave a comment or a few words about someone you know in the military or who has served or just a thank you to our troops between now and July 11. Must be a legal resident of the US and be living in the United States--or have an APO or equivalent mailing address for anyone serving in the military outside the USA.

One winner will be selected at random. Winner's name will be announced on July 12.

Bonus entry if you are a follower of my blog or if you post about the giveaway on your blog--just let me know in your comments.

Good luck, and, Happy Birthday, Walt!

Sad News for Cup of Comfort Commmunity

At critique group today, Alice, one of my writing buddies, shared some news from the Cup of Comfort blog. Alice and I have been published in the Cup of Comfort series, and she is good about keeping me updated about calls for submissions, contests, etc.

Today she gave me a copy of this blog post from Colleen Sell, who has been the Cup of Comfort editor for the past ten years.

Effective January 1, the Cup of Comfort website became inactive and Colleen retired from her tenure as editor. (Two books scheduled for publication this year will be the last of the series. )

It's an honor to have had three of my true stories in Cup of Comfort books (Cup of Comfort for Women, Cup of Comfort for Christmas, and Cup of Comfort for Military Families). I'm sad, but I guess all good things must come to an end.

So, tonight I'll drink a cup of tea and with a greatful heart re-read "Julie's Gift" about my daughter, "Santa Wore Cowboy Boots" about my son, and "Welcome Home" about my husband, my stories that all part of the Cup of Comfort stories.

Tis the Season For Giving - Monthly Giveaway #1

In the spirit of the Christmas holiday--and to help clean out my bookshelves--I'm giving away a signed copy of A CUP OF COMFORT FOR CHRISTMAS, which includes my true story, "Santa Wore Cowboy Boots."

The true story takes place in Christmas 1981, when my husband, Walt; my children, Julie and Erik; and I lived in Southern Arizona. One afternoon before Christmas I was depressed about being so far away from my family back in Missouri. Julie and Erik were off school so I took them to see Santa at the local K-Mart.

"Santa Wore Cowboy Boots" is special to me because it's about the lesson my late son Erik taught me about the true spirit of Christmas.

To win a signed copy of A CUP OF COMFORT FOR CHRISTMAS, just leave a comment between now and December 5. The name of one winner will be picked at random. The winner's name will be announced next week.

But wait, there's more: To show my appreciation to my blog visitors for being so friendly and supportive all year long I will have a few giveaways this month, so check back later to see what other goodies you can win.

Merry Christmas!

Cup of Comfort Giveaway and Submission Call Out

November is a month for remembering.

At the beginning of the month, we remember saints on All Saints Day and sinners on All Souls Day. Veterans Day was just last week. That's the special day when we take time to honor veterans who have given so much to keep us free.

For me, November is also a month for remembering anniversaries of birthdays and deaths of loved ones.

In the spirit of remembering and with gratitude for treasured memories of loved ones, I'm giving away a copy of A Cup of Comfort for Military Families, which includes my essay, "Welcome Home." The essay is about special Vietnam veterans in my life and the year my husband Walt spent in Vietnam, right after the birth of our daughter Julie.

If you would like to win a copy of the book, just leave a comment between today and November 20. I will pick one name at random and will post the winner's name next week.

My essay in the Military Families book is my third in the Cup of Comfort anthologies.

Speaking of Cup of Comfort, here's a call out for stories, just in time for the holidays!

Last week, Alice, one of my critique group buddies, told me about a Cup of Comfort call out for favorite holiday memory stories. She has written a wonderful story, which she shared with me. If you have a favorite holiday memory story, the deadline to submit is December 5. Here are submission guidelines.

Don't forget to leave a comment here by Nov 20 to enter my contest to win a copy of Cup of Comfort for Military Families.

Good luck!

Cup of Comfort Call for Submissions

A writing friend recently told me the market for inspirational anthologies isn't as strong as it has been in the past. Speculation is there are too many competing anthologies and not a large enough readership. With the popularity of the Twilight series and similar books, it could be lots of folks are reading about vampires or werewolves instead. Vampires and werewolves aside, I found this call for submissions for a Cup of Comfort for Christian Women with a deadline of August 15.

I've been fortunate with the Cup of Comfort market. Three of my true-life stories have appeared in their anthologies. "Julie's Gift" is in Cup of Comfort for Women; "Santa Wore Cowboy Boots" is in Cup of Comfort for Christmas; and "Welcome Home" is in Cup of Comfort for Military Families. Beyond the publication credit and payment, each of these stories is special to me because they are about loved ones.

A few of the writer benefits have changed since my first CoC publication. Payment for the Christian Women anthology is $50, which is half of what I received for my previous publications with Adams Media, the publisher. The publisher also used to pay for interviews and book signings, but after my last signing I was told they no longer pay for those.

Even with the reduced payment, a Cup of Comfort publication is an impressive one for writers to have on their resumes, even more so if it's for a story that is a special one that a writer wants to see in print. So, if this anthology is something that interests you, here's a link to the guidelines.

Oh, and good luck!

Redbook and Cup of Comfort Love Story Contest Announced

Got a love story? How about entering it in a no-entry fee contest about LOVE with a nice payoff?

Today in St. Peters, MO: Fog and mist, high 40 degrees. Today's weather reminds me of a Clint Eastwood movie with a twisted kind of love. It's a "Play Misty for Me" kind of day.

Now, back to the contest: REDBOOK magazine is co-sponsoring another story contest with the folks from Cup of Comfort. This time the topic is LOVE. (LOVE Image courtesy of Flickr).

The Cup of Comfort/REDBOOK Love Story Contest will be announced in the February 2010 issue of REDBOOK, which should be on newsstands by January 26. Meanwhile, the Contest Rules will be posted on the Cup of Comfort site today. The top 50 (or so) submissions will be published in A Cup of Comfort for Couples.

New new submissions for the contest/book will be accepted through April 20, 2010.

Adams Media, the Cup of Comfort publisher, will award one $1,000 grand prize as well as three runner-up prizes of $150 each. The grand-prize winner and runners-up will also receive a full run of all Cup of Comfort books, including A Cup of Comfort for Couples. The remaining stories selected for publication in A Cup of Comfort for Couples will receive the standard $100 stipend, plus a complimentary copy of the book.

For more information as the contest and book progess, tune into the Cup of Comfort blog. They will also post updates in the Cup of Comfort News Forum and future issues of their newsletter.

Metro South Arts Council hosts Author Fair

Today in St. Peters, MO: Sunny, high 55 degrees.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thankgiving Day. My family certainly did!

Yesterday we went to my sister Bridget's house. Bridget and her husband Steve always do a spectacular job with Thanksgiving dinner. Bridget and Steve cooked the turkeys and trimmings, and everyone brought their special dishes. After we ate, we had our annual Christmas ornament exchange, which is always fun. Then we picked names for Christmas--which will be at my house. Just about all the family was there, including my niece Alexandra and her fiance James--and their adorable mini-pinscher puppy, Carmen, who looked fetching in her pink and black tutu and on "diamond" choker. Alexandra and James are in town from Columbia for a couple days. Alex looks as beautiful as ever, and James is so supportive and loving to her. Alex begins her radiation treatments next week, so please keep praying for her.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it's time to get back to work.

Tomorrow, Saturday, November 28, I will participate in the Metro South Arts Council Author Fair and Book Signing sponsored by Metro South Arts Council at Crestwood Court, 109 Crestwood Plaza Drive, just off Watson Road in St. Louis.

During the event, more than a dozen local Illinois and Missouri authors will display, sell, and sign their books. The Author Fair will be open to the public from 10 am until 6 pm at ArtSpace #120 near the north end of Crestwood Court; there is no admission charge and there is free parking at Crestwood Court.

This event was planned and coordinated by Cheryl Eichar Jett, who writes about local history of Southern Illinois. She has written a book about Alton, IL, which, if I'm not mistaken, has been named one of the most haunted places in the United States.

I will be at the event signing copies of books with my stories in them, including: Mysteries of the Ozarks, A Cup of Comfort for Christmas, A Cup of Comfort for Military Families, and A Cup of Comfort for Women.

I will be there from around 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. So, if you're in the vicinity, please stop by and say "Hey!"

Author Event at Middendorf Kreddel Library on November 19

Today in St. Peters, MO: Light rain, high 45 degrees--but I got a glimpse of the sun this morning! Yay!

Here's a reminder about an event sponsored by St. Charles City-County Library District that I will participate in, along with several other local authors.

Sara Nielsen, Manager for Community Branches and Adult Programming, and the staff from the St. Charles City-County Library District have done an excellent job planning and orchestrating this event, which is described as follows:

Local Author Open House
Start your holiday shopping early!
Books will be sold & autographed.
Refreshments will be served.
• How does an author decide the type of book to write?
• Would you like to chat with authors on their writing techniques?
• How do you get a book published? Where do you even start!
• Do you have a book inside of you? What does it take to write a book?
Thursday, November 19 -- 4:30 - 8:00 pm
Middendorf Kredell Library
2750 Hwy. K, O’Fallon

PLEASE NOTE: I will be there from 4:30 till 6, then return from 7:30-8:00.

I will sign copies of A Cup of Comfort for Christmas, A Cup of Comfort for Women, A Cup of Comfort for Families, Mysteries of the Ozarks, and other anthologies in which my stories appear. A representative from Main Street Books in St. Charles will on site to handle book sales. Hope to see you there.

****

NOTE: Several other local authors who belong to Saturday Writers will also be there, including Bobbi Smith, David "Kirk" Kirkland, Joy Wooderson, Dianna Graveman, Lou Turner, Pat Wahler, and Becky Povich.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: As mentioned above, Joy Wooderson will be one of the featured writers. Joy is a writing friend who has written, FINDING JOY: ONE WOMAN'S JOURNEY BACK TO FAITH, an inspiring memoir which I recently reviewed.

If you would like to read my review and learn more about Joy's book, please visit my A Book A Week Blog.

Everyone Has A Story to Tell

Today in St. Peters, MO: Drizzle, high 49 degrees. A good day to stay inside and write.

Lately I've met some people who have led fascinating lives. During my talk last Saturday, I met writers from outstate Missouri, West Virginia, Washington State, and Arkansas, and briefly talked with man wearing a Pearl Harbor survivor cap--wish I would've gotten to talk with him longer.

Ann, the woman from Arkansas, was a Senior at Little Rock High School during the Little Rock Nine historic event, when President Eisenhower ordered the National Guard to enforce integration at the high school. She shared a bit of her experience with us, but the clock was ticking and she seemed reluctant to say more.

While we were on the subject of high school experiences last Saturday, I mentioned that I went to an all-girls' Catholic school in St. Louis, where we had to invite our dates for prom. My date for senior prom was Mike Blassie, who was headed for the Air Force Academy after graduation. Mike later became a pilot. In May of 1972 his jet was shot down in Vietnam, and Mike was declared missing in action. Flash forward to 1998, when DNA testing determined Mike's remains were those which had been interred in in the Tomb of the Unknown back in 1984. In 1998 Mike's family made the decision to move his remains to Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis. My husband Walt, also a Vietnam Veteran, and I attended the ceremony, and I wrote about the experience in my story "Welcome Home" in A Cup of Comfort for Military Families.

A gentleman in our Coffee and Critique group is working on his memoir. When he joined our group I recognized his name immediately. He is a local singer and songwriter of some note (no pun intended). He is a wonderful storyteller who can weave words magically, yet he is soft spoken and not sure of his gift. Yesterday after critique he causually talked about the night he met a local crime boss while he was performing at a night club, although he didn't realize who the man was at the time. Then he talked about the time Elvis Presley pulled a gun on him while he was a Marine stationed in Memphis--that event made the headlines.

A while back, another critique group member told a few of us about the time she was living and working in Dallas in November 1963 and was questioned by the FBI about a co-worker, who later fled the country. While living in Texas she also came into contact with mass murderer Richard Speck--how frightening is that. This woman is a novelist, but has lived a fascinating life and met some famous--and infamous--folks along the way.

The lesson I've learned from all this is to take time to listen. I never know what I might learn because everyone--even the quiet ones, or maybe especially the quiet ones--has a story to tell.

A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors - Book Signing

Today's weather forecast for St. Peters, MO: High 90 degrees, with a chance for thunderstorms.

Local writer and breast cancer survivor Alice Muschany will sign copies of A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors Alice's poignant essay, "Hidden Treasures," is among the stories in the inspirational Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors book.

The Saturday, July 18, book signing will be hosted from 1-3 p.m. at the Rendezvous Cafe and Wine Bar in O'Fallon, MO.

Siliver Lining Contest from REDBOOK Magazine and Adams Media

Today's forecast for St. Peters, MO: High 71 degrees, chance of showers, but there's a silver lining on the horizon. Really!

Today's weather is a perfect opportunity to mention a contest I found out about from editor Colleen Sell, in the Cup of Comfort Community Bulletin. You can subscribe to the bulletin by clicking on the above link.

Adams Media, publisher of A Cup of Comfort series, and REDBOOK magazine are teaming up to sponsor a Silver Lining contest.

They are looking for personal essays between 1,000 to 2,000 words which tell how you've found the silver lining—what or who gave you inspiration, strength, hope, and comfort—during a personal challenge.

NOTE: I pulled these details from the March 20 issue of The Cup of Comfort Community Bulletin. Please click on the links below and read and follow carefully.

Grand-prize winner wins $1,000 and will also be excerpted in a future issue of REDBOOK and published in full on CupofComfort.com. Prizes will also be given to the authors of the three runner-up stories; these will be announced in REDBOOK and on CupOfComfort.com.
You must enter by May 15, 2009, and submissions will be accepted only through the online submission form. Make sure to select "Silver Lining Story Contest" on the pull-down menu of the form's "Select Cup of Comfort Book/Contest" field.

To submit a story, you must be a CupOfComfort.com member (Register Now) and logged into the site (Login Now).

Please note that the Silver Lining submissions are for the contest only and not for publication consideration in a Cup of Comfort book. Please also note that Colleen will not be involved in vetting stories or selecting winners for the Silver Lining contest. Instead, all entries will be reviewed by Meredith O'Hayre, the Cup of Comfort project editor at Adams Media, and REDBOOK editors will review the top 100 submissions and select the winning stories.
To learn more about the Silver Lining contest and for complete contest rules, click here.

Good luck to everyone who enters.

Now, for a little personal announcement--if you scroll down on the March 20 bulletin to the Cup of Comfort Author Appearances section you'll notice my name--Donna Volkenannt. I'm excited to be participating in the book signing at the Missouri Writers' Guild Conference at the Drury Lodge in Cape Girardeau, MO, on Saturday, April 4. I will be signing copies of A Cup of Comfort for Military Families, which includes my story "Welcome Home." If any of you will be attending the MWG conference or are anywhere near Cape from 5:15-7 p.m. on April 4, please stop by and say hello! I would love to meet you!

We Have A Winner

Today's weather forecast for St. Peters: Partly cloudy, high 31 degrees. It was 14 degrees when I was out and about at 7 a.m.

Thanks to everyone who entered the "Santa Wore Cowboy Boots" contest for a copy of the book, A Cup of Comfort for Women. The name selected at random was

Drum roll, please . . .

Pat Wahler of Missouri.

In Pat's e-mail entry, she also shared this charming Christmas memory:

"As a kid, even after I'd grown too old to "believe", there was something about lying in bed on Christmas Eve. You could almost hear the sleighbells and feel the magic. It was a time that suspended logic and dared me to dream the impossible. And I must admit that all these decades later, Christmas still affects me the same way!"

And thanks to everyone who entered by e-mail, the kind-hearted Anonymous writer who posted a comment about the book on Monday's blog, and to Tricia Grissom who continues to spread the word about writing, contests, submission opportunities, and other great stuff on the Coffee and Critique blog.

Until Monday, have a great weekend, stay warm, and take time to write.

"Santa Wore Cowboy Boots"

Today's forecast for St. Peters: Light flurries, high 31 degrees. Brrr, it's cold outside.

As promised, today I'm announcing another free contest for visitors to my blog.

If you would like to win a copy of A Cup of Comfort for Christmas, which includes "Santa Wore Cowboy Boots," e-mail me at dvolkenannt@charter.net

Include your name and mailing address (in case you're the winner) and "Santa Wore Cowboy Boots" in the subject line. The story is about a Christmas lesson my son Walt (Erik) taught me while we were living in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Contest opens today and closes on Thursday, December 4. Winner will be announced on Friday, December 5.

If you would like to include a special Christmas memory in your e-mail, I will post all I receive on Friday when I announce the winner.

Contests, Contests, Contests

Today's forecast for St. Peters: Mostly cloudy, high 50 degrees. Not a bad forecast for shoppers this Black Friday. While shoppers are out at the mall or department stores hunting for bargains, writers can find a few contest 'bargains' right here.
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Contest #1: As promised, today I'm announcing the name of the winner of the "Julie's Gift" contest, with a copy of A Cup of Comfort for Women as the prize. I received entries from several states including Missouri, Oklahoma, and New York. I guess you could say the winner in the contest did OK, because the name selected was Patricia Haynes from Tulsa, OK. Congratulations, Patricia. I will mail your book next week.

Contest #2: If you didn't win this go around, be sure to watch Monday's post, where I will announce another contest to win a copy of A Cup of Comfort for Christmas, which includes "Santa Wore Cowboy Boots," a true story about my son Erik.

Contest #3: Here's a contest for all you poets. The Saturday Writers chapter of the Missouri Writers' Guild has just announced its 7th Annual One-Page Poem Contest. Visit the website for complete details, which include the following submission guidelines:

1) Any style, any subject, any form. Wow us in one page. (One poem per single-spaced page.)
2) No identification should appear on the entry. Attach a separate coversheet with title, name, address, e-mail, and phone number.
3) Two copies of each entry! (Each judge needs a copy.)
4) Entry fee: $5 per poem, maximum of three entries.
5) Poems must be unpublished at the time of submission, original work of the contestant.
6) Deadline: March 16, 2009 postmark.
7) Prizes: 1st place - $100, 2nd place - $50, 3rd place - $25. Top 10 entries receive a certificate.
8) Winners will be announced on the website by April 30, 2009. Certificates and cash prizes will be mailed in early May.
9) Mail entries flat, not folded, to:
Louella Turner
Saturday Writers One-page Poem Contest Coordinator
2731 Cumberland Landing
St. Charles, MO 63303
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do NOT send by certified mail!
10) Checks payable to: Saturday Writers.
Contest is open to everyone--members of Saturday Writers and non-members. Prize winners and honorable mention recipients (top ten only) may be given the opportunity to have their stories included (one time rights) in the Saturday Writers literary collection, published the following year.
For a list of winners, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Or check the website after April 30: http://www.saturdaywriters.org/.
Decision of judges is final. Not responsible for lost or misdirected entries. Poems will not be returned. Any submission paid for by a check which is returned by the bank will be immediately disqualified.
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So, there you have it. You don't need to fight traffic or stand in line to find bargains--you can find some great writing bargains right here.

Good luck, have a great weekend, and take time to write.
Donna

Happy Birthday, Julie

Today's forecast for St. Peters: Rain, rain, rain. High 59 degrees.

On this rainy Friday, I celebrate the life, the love, and the gift of my beautiful daugher, Julie. She would have been 39 today. She was born Nov 14, 1969, at Scott Air Force Base in IL, and died with her husband Mike in a motorcycle accident in St. Louis, MO, on Feb 5, 2005.

From my deep sorrow and pain has come much joy and many blessings. Since the night of the accident, my husband Walt and I have been blessed with raising Cari and Michael, Julie and Mike's children. So, rather than mourning Julie's passing, I celebrate her life and the many gifts she has given me--especially the gift of raising her children.

One of my most treasured publications is a true story about her, called "Julie's Gift," which was originally published in A Cup of Comfort for Women in 2002 and republished in 2007. The story is about a gift Julie sent my mother when she was just a teenager and we were living overseas in Germany. In 2003, "Julie's Gift" was awarded the Best Religious or Inspirational Story by the Missouri Writers' Guild.

As a way to keep Julie's memory alive through story, I am giving away a copy of A Cup of Comfort for Women with a signed copy of the story, "Julie's Gift."

To enter, please e-mail me at dvolkenannt@charter.net Put "Julie's Gift" in the subject line, and include your name, mailing address, and e-mail in the text. Contest opens today, Nov 14, and closes at midnight, Thanksgiving Day, Nov 27. Winner will be announced on Nov 28. And, if you're so inclined, please remember Julie in your thoughts and prayers today.

One last announcement: The winner in the "Welcome Home" contest of a signed copy of my story in A Cup of Comfort for Military Families is Jodi Webb of Pottsville, PA. Congratulations, Jodi. I will mail your book next week.

Until Monday, have a safe weekend, and take time to write.