MWG Trivia Night: A Tisket, A Tasket, Coffee and Critique Donated Eight Baskets

In case you haven't heard, the Missouri Writers Guild is having a trivia night on Saturday, October 7th, at the First Congregational Church of St. Louis in Clayton, MO.

The details are on the flyer on the left. The writers in Coffee and Critique, the critique group I belong to, were informed of this by Marcia Gaye, our chapter's MWG rep.

Marcia mentioned the MWG was hoping to get each chapter to contribute a basket for the event's silent auction. Our small group of ten regularly attending writers was asked to donate items or cash to fill a basket.

With our writers group name of Coffee and Critique, we voted to go with a coffee and writing-related theme.

The response was outstanding. Our members donated enough items to fill not one or two or even three, but EIGHT baskets--almost one basket for each person in our group.

When I thanked Marcia for spearheading the MWG Trivia Night basket project, she responded with her usual humility, "It was a team effort."

She added that we had 100 percent participation. Marcia estimated the value of the eight baskets around $400!

Our generous contributors included: Sarah Angleton, Marcia Gaye, Jane Hamilton, Alice Muschany, Doug Osgood, Doyle Suit, Les Thompson, Donna Volkenannt, Pat Wahler, and Jack Zerr. A handful of our more talented members stayed after our meeting to assemble and decorate the baskets.

Les took photos of the baskets shown below. And I've been told Sarah did a marvelous job tying bows.

Donated items include a variety of coffees and teas, coffee mugs, two hand-made mug rugs, coffee-related items, tea cups and saucers, wine glasses, a bottle of imported German red wine, dark and milk chocolate (who doesn't love chocolate), scented candles, candle holders, several books written by our members, a copy of the Coffee and Critique anthology autographed by several contributors, journals, pens, office and writing-related items, baskets, ribbons, the Coffee and Critique brochure, and, DRUM ROLL, PLEASE:

TWO CERTIFICATES FOR DETAILED CRITIQUES (up to ten double-spaced pages) from our entire group.

Although I can't attend trivia night, I'll be there in spirit--and our critique group will be there in more than spirit--we will be represented by eight beautiful baskets.

If you attend MWG Trivia Night, please let me know how it went, and I hope you're high bidder on one of our baskets!

Coffee and Critique Writers' Group Take Ten Interviews

It's hard to believe the Coffee and Critique writers' group has been going for seven years.

When I founded the group in 2007, along with Lou Turner, we wanted it to be open to writers of all levels, with the motto that critiques would be "candid, but kind."

Each week we have about 10-12 enthusiastic and supportive writer show up, and last year we published our first anthology. We also have encouraged writers to submit to publications -- and all have achieved success!

On our Coffee and Critique blog you can find updates about our group. One popular series is the "Take Ten" interview feature with the our members.

Interviews began last May. Doyle Suit was first, followed by the late Nick Nixon, then Bill Mueller, Alice Muschany, and Lou Turner.

Last week it was my turn to answer interview questions.

This year we will continue the tradition, with one member who has contributed to our anthology being featured each month.

Check back often to the Coffee and Critique blog to find out about some of our members.

Winner of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hope and Healing for Your Breast Cancer Journey

Sorry for this delayed announcement.

Since starting National Novel Writing Month I haven't posted on my blog or visited other blogs as often as I'd like.

Thanks to everyone who left comments for the drawing for Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hope and Healing for Your Breast Cancer Journey, featuring Alice Muschany's true story "Hats Off to Betty with Love."

Special thanks to Alice for her generous donation of the book.

The winner is  BOOKIE

So, if you will send me an e-mail at dvolkenannt (at) charter.net (please replace the (at) with the at sign--I didn't want to put my entire e-mail address so I don't get Viagra ads). Be sure to include your snail mail address so I can mail the book to you next week.

Congratulations, Bookie, and thanks again to everyone else.

Now, back to my novel-in-progress. I hope to post my word count early next week.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Chicken Soup for the Soul Giveaway and Share Your Story of Hope with Beliefnet

October is national breast cancer awareness month.

To raise awareness, Alice Muschany -- my generous critique group buddy and a breast cancer survivor herself -- has donated a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hope & Healing for Your Breast Cancer Journey to give away on my blog.

Alice's warm and witty essay, "Hats Off to Betty With Love," is included in the anthology. Compiled by Dr. Julie Silver of Harvard Medical School, the book contains "inspirational stories and medical advice for a healthy you!"

For a chance to win a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hope & Healing for Your Breast Cancer Journey, just leave a comment on this post by October 31. Winner's name will be announced in November.

Also, the editors at Beliefnet are looking for inspirational stories from breast cancer survivors. Stories with a message of "hope for the past, present and future" should be no more than 200 words. Winning story will be awarded $250 by Beliefnet.com.

Thanks, Alice, and hats off to you and other breast cancer survivors!

November: A Time to Remember and Hats off with Hope in our Hearts

Last week, on November 2--the Feast of All Souls--I took time to pray for the souls of my loved ones who have departed this earth.

I also remembered to say a prayer for a good writing friend who passed away this summer.

Bea Siros was a cherised member of Coffee and Critique writers' group who left us suddenly and much too young. Although Bea is gone, her spirit remains with us.

Bea was known for her cheery smile and for her collection of hats--ball caps, feathered hats, trendy berets, demure chapeaus, you name it--Bea had one in her wardrobe. And often her signature bumblee pin could be seen on them.

During Bea's visitation service, several members of our writing group wore hats in her honor. I shopped around and found a tan hat with a dark brown brim and a black ribbon to wear in honor of Bea. I keep the hat on my coat rack by the door, and when I see it I remember her sweet smile.

This morning I used that hat to select the winner of the copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hope & Healing for Your Breast Cancer Journey. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and left a comment.

The anthology includes two essays by Alice Muschany, a breast cancer survivor and member of Coffee and Critique. One of Alice's essays is titled "Hats Off to Betty."

When I e-mailed Alice to ask her if she wanted to pick the name of the winner or if I should throw the names into a hat--she asked me to use the name-in-the-hat option.

So, I wrote down on sheets of paper the names of everyone who left a comment on the Chicken Soup giveaway post in October during breast-cancer awareness month. I folded the papers and threw them into what I call Bea's memorial hat.

I reached into the hat and pulled out one sheet then took a photo (on the left) of the hat, the book, and the name of the winner.

In case you can't read it, the name selected was  -- Marcia G.

Congratulations, Marcia. I will get the book to you. And thank you Alice for your generosity and for sharing your stories of  hope and healing.

Finally, if you're the praying kind, take time to remember the souls of your loved ones or those who have left us. Here's a prayer I use:

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

News and Views from Nick Nixon Tribute

Sunday's tribute and fundraiser for Nick Nixon, Country-Western music legend and Coffee and Critique group member extraordinare, was a huge hit!

When I stopped by shortly after the 1 p.m. opening time on my way to Michael's soccer game, there were only a few seats left in the large banquet room. 

A few minutes later, security personnel had to turn away fans because they had already exceeded the room's capacity for fire safety. I estimate there were several hundred fans. Hundreds of fans sat at crowded tables or stood along the aisles. Dozens of musicians performed or prepared to perform on the stages. Scores of volunteers sold food, CDs, books, and raffle tickets. Sturdy security folks stood in the lobby and at the exits to help the event run smoothly. Scores of folks unable to get inside waited in the lobby or milled about outside on the sunny, but chilly afternoon.

While I was there I ran into several of my writing friends and snapped lots of photos, but unfortunately my flash was finicky and some of the photos were blurry (sorry, Doyle and Irene).  Here are some photos that did turn out:



Ligaya and David Kirkland get cozy.

Bill and Linda O'Connell pose for this pesky photographer.

 

 C and C members Nick Nixon and Claudia Shelton strike a pose.

 

C and C Members Nick Nixon and Donna Volkenannt mug for the camera.

 

 

C and C members Donna Volkenannt, Nick Nixon, and Lou Turner share a chuckle.

High Hill Publishers Lou and Bryan Turner surprized Nick by publishing a collection of some of his essays and short stories. 

 Good-hearted and generous C and C member Becky Povich donated one of Nick's autographed 45 records and a song sheet for the auction!

Roland and Alice (C and C Member) Muschany took time from their busy day to support Nick. 

Giveaway in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In honor of October being breast cancer awareness month, I have a special month-long giveaway to announce, due to the generosity of one of my critique group friends.

Writer and editor extraordinare Alice Muschany, herself a breast cancer survivor, has given me a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hope & Healing for Your Breast Cancer Journey by Dr. Julie Silver of Harvard Medical School.

Alice is passionate about this topic. Several of her family members have been struck with this disease, and she has written with grace and candor about breast cancer in several media, including the Chicken Soup for the Soul, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Guideposts, and other publications.

Alice has two stories in the Chicken Soup Hope & Healing for Your Breast Cancer Journey anthology -- "Hats off to Betty with Love" and "Forever and Ever."

The front cover of the book states the book's purpose: Surviving and thriving during and after your diagnosis and treatment. Inside the book readers will find inspirational stories and medical advice.

If you would like to win a copy of this inspiring book, just leave a comment on this post this month. I will announce the winner in November.

Good luck to everyone who enters. And hats off to you, Alice, for sharing stories of your journey to healing with courage and compassion.

P. S. Alice also has an essay in the "Pass it On" section of the October 2012 Guideposts magazine.

And The Winners Are . . .

Today has a special significance for me, which I won't go into detail here. Because of the special meaning this date holds for me, I'm doubling down and giving away two books, both written by Karen Wojcik Berner, who generously sent them to me.

The first book is Until My Soul Gets It Right.

Thanks to everyone who left comments for the giveaway announced last week and asked to be entered in the contest.

The name I picked at random to receive a copy of Until My Soul Gets It Right is . . .

Karen Lange 

 

 

But wait, there's more!

 

I am also giving away my signed review copy of Karen Wojcik Berner's first book in the Bibliophiles Series-- A Whisper to a Scream.

The first book in the series is the story of two women on "opposite ends of the child-bearing spectrum who come to realize the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side of the fence." I loved the memorable characters and the touches of humor in this book.

 

The second name I picked at random, and winner of A Whisper to a Scream is . . .

 

Denise Montgomery

 

So, if you ladies would e-mail me at dvolkenannt (at) charter.net and give me your mailing addresses I will get those books to you.

 

But wait, there's even more!

 

Later this week I will announce details for another giveaway. Alice Muschany, a critique group member, has donated a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hope & Healing for Your Breast Cancer Journey, which has two of her true stories in it.

 

So, drop by at the end of the week week to find out how you can win a copy of the anthology and read Alice's two remarkable stories, along with other stories of survival and hope.



 



 

 



Congratulations, Alice Muschany, for Another Chicken Soup for the Soul Publication

Yesterday, during our weekly critique group gathering, award-winning writer Alice Muscany brought in one of her contributor copies of the hot-off-the-press Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hope and Healing for Your Breast Cancer Journey, edited by Dr. Julie Silver of Harvard Medical School.   

The just released anthology includes two of Alice's true-life stories, along with stories from other women and family members affected by breast cancer. The issue also includes some of the latest medical information to give strength, inspiration, awareness, and hope to those affected by breast cancer.

The titles of Alice's stories are "Hats Off to Betty with Love" and "Forever & Ever." These two publications bring the number of Alice's stories in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series to about a dozen. 

Alice is a fifteen-plus-year breast cancer survivor and an inspiring writer who writes with grace and humor--oh, and she's a dynamite critique partner as well. Even the most polished manuscripts aren't safe when she wields her signature red pen--just ask some of the guys in our group.

Congratulations, Alice! You are an inspiration to writers and survivors everywhere.

Sowing Seeds to Succeed

This spring, my writing career has blossomed because of writing seeds I planted in the cold, dark days of winter. 

One of my goals at the beginning of the year was to expand my horizions by submitting to more publications and entering more contests. I'm happy to announce that my plan has already begun to come to fruition.

On January 12, I entered an essay in the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition.

On March 1, I received a call from Debe Dockins of the Centerville Library in Ohio informing me I'd won first place in the Global Humor Category. 

This photo was taken at the April 18 Erma Celebration.

From left are: Debe Dockins, Contest Coordinator from the library; Christina Cahall, First place winner, human interest, local; Tracy Beckerman, syndicated humor columnist and guest speaker; Donna Volkenannt (me), First place winner, humor, global; and Gina Sandoval, First place winner, humor, local. Winners received cash awards, the winning essays were published on the library's website, and the winners were honored guests at the Erma Bombeck Workshop at the University of Dayton, April 19-22.

Back to my 2012 Goals: On January 15, I submitted two nonfiction pieces to the Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writers' Guild Well Versed Anthology Contest. In March, I received notification that I'd won first place and an honorable mention in the nonfiction category of the contest.

On May 6, 2012, the 2012 Well Versed anthology was launched in Columbia, MO.

The photo on the left is Judy Stock, president of the Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writers' Guild; Linda Fisher, editor of Well Versed 2012; and Donna Volkenannt (me), first place winner in the nonfiction category.

During the launch, more than a dozen readers shared their poems, essays, and short stories with those present. The afternoon flew by, filled with friendship and food and fun.

Lou Turner and Marcia Gaye drove to Columbia with me. Two of Marcia's poems won in the poetry category, and she had a total of four poems included in the anthology.

Here's Marcia reading one of her poems.

Critique buddy Alice Muschany also won two prizes in the nonfiction category, both of her essays are included in the anthology. Alice couldn't make the trip to Columbia, but I was able to pick up her certificates and prize money.

I hope this post and these photos can inspire some of my blogging buddies to write, submit, and enter more.

Who knows? The story, essay, or poem you are writing today could blossom into a beautiful flower later this year.

Call for Submissions: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers

Alice Muschany, one of my critique group friends, e-mailed me with a heads-up about the latest Chicken Soup for the Soul call out, then late yesterday I received an e-mail from the Chicken Soup folks announcing the call for submissions.

So, all you writers out there--if you haven't already heard--put on your thinking caps, here's a story call out that might interest writers who write, "from books to blogs.":

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers, 101 Motivational Stories for Writers, Budding or Bestselling, from Books to Blogs

The editors are looking for "your setbacks, mentors, breakthroughs, and successes."

Topics considered include:

How did you overcome writer's block?

Who kept you on the right path when you were ready to give up?

When did you realize that the story in your heart was ready to be shared with the world?

The editors are NOT looking for promotional pieces.

They want to know about "your journey to publication, including self-publishing and blogging. This is your opportunity to help other writers -- published and unpublished -- to draw inspiration and learn from your experiences."

Deadline: June 30, 2012

Payment: A check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book (worth more than $100).

Note: Author retains the copyright and the right to resell it.

For complete details and submission guidelines, visit http://chickensoup.com/

What are you waiting for? Get writing, and good luck!

Well Versed Acceptances and An Announcement

Earlier this week I received official notification that two of my essays won in the Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writers' Guild contest for non-fiction. Both submissions will appear in the 2012 edition of Well Versed, the anthology of the CCMWG.

In addition to placing in the contest, I was excited for a few reasons.

Well Versed is a well regarded anthology. The 2011 edition won best book award in the 2011 MWG President's Contests.

Contest judges for the 2012 issue are esteemed writers and editors: Evelyn Somers Rogers, the Fiction judge,  has been associate editor of The Missouri Review since 1990. Poetry judge, Harvey Stanbrough, has had work nominated for the National Book Award. Non-fiction judge Becky Carr Imhauser, is a former newspaper and magazine editor who has written six non-fiction books and has had more than 900 articles published in national periodicals.

Even more exciting, two members of my critique group, Marcia Gaye and Alice Muschany, had works which placed in the contests and will have poems and essays included in the Well Versed anthology. Here's a link to the CCMWG site, with a list of the winners, bios for the judges, and the names of writers and poets whose work will appear in the anthology. If your name is among those listed, Congratulations!

Now for my announcement: Hope you will visit Donna's Book Pub next on Monday, January 23, when I will have a special guest as part of the WOW! Women on Writing author's blog tour.

Pesi Dinnerstein, author of A Cluttered Life: Searching for God, Serenity, and my Missing Keys, will post about "Trying to Find that Small, Still Voice."

I'm always happy to read advice from other writers, so I'm looking forward to read what Pesi has to say.

Until next time . . . Happy writing!

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! 

A Blog Me Baby Welcome and Coming Attactions

First, a big Blog Me Baby welcome to my latest follower, Brenda Brinkley, from Brenda's Barnyard Creations. Brenda is a prolific writer and multi-published children's author. If you get a chance, check out her blog. And, Brenda, I hope you will visit often and enjoy your time here.

As most of you probably know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to increase awareness of the disease, I will be featuring a special guest whose interview I will post soon.

Alice Muschany is an advanced Stage III breast cancer survivor, writing friend, member of my critique group, and a multi-published and an award-winning writer. Alice is also very generous. In addition to allowing me to interview her, she is donating a signed copy of A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors, which includes her heart-warming true story, "Hidden Treasures."  Check back in a few days for my interview with Alice and the details of the giveaway.

Notes from Critique Group - The Light Bringer and Other Bright Spots

Yesterday was an exciting day at our Coffee and Critique group. Our usual Tuesday spot at Rendezvous Cafe in O'Fallon, MO was hopping. With 17 of us there it was hard to keep up with what was going on. Good thing I had my nifty timer to keep us on track--sort of--well at least I tried.

We had a few special visitors. I didn't announce our first two guests beforehand to keep it a surprise.

I invited Lake Saint Louis Police Officers Chris Diguiseppi and Mike Force to drop by and talk to us about their new book, THE LIGHT BRINGER. Chris and Mike belonged to our Coffee and Critique group a few years ago when we met on Tuesday evenings at B&N. After we changed locations and went to a days-only schedule, they weren't able to continue coming, and we've missed them a lot.

Thankfully, they continued writing their book, THE LIGHT BRINGER. Yesterday they gave me a copy of their book, which I will review in the next couple weeks. I will also interview Chris and Mike about their publication journey. They had very kind words about how our group helped them in the early stages of their writing. If you get a chance, visit their website and view their book trailer. It is awesome.

Our other special surprise guest was Doyle Suit's youngest granddaughter, Jacqueline. Talk about a doll! She is a lovely ten-year old with a beautiful smile and a quick mind. She and Doyle joined several of us for lunch. It was lots of fun!

Also yesterday Alice Muschany--whom we like to call our own Chicken Soup Queen, with six stories and counting--gave me a copy of A CUP OF COMFORT FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS, which includes her poignant story, "Hidden Treasures." This coming October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I will interview Alice and give away a copy of the book with her story in it.

Stay tuned. On Friday I'll post more announcements about coming events you won't want to miss.

April is the Cruelest Month?

In his famous poem, "The Wasteland," acclaimed poet (and St. Louis native) T.S. Eliot wrote:

"April is the cruelest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain."

In many ways, April 2011 has not only been cruel, but devestating. Mother Nature showed her raw fury on Good Friday with the tornado that caused damage and destruction in Missouri and Illinois. Thankfully, no one was injured. Sadly, the tornadoes that whipped through the South last week left death as well as destruction. All who have been affected by these storms are in my prayers.

I was also saddened to find out that last week, New York Times bestsetting author Beverly Barton passed away from a massive heart attack. Beverly was a "steel magnolia" from Alabama and a robust and sassy romantic suspense author whose books I've reviewed, as well as interviewed for Bookreporter.com. Although I never met Beverly in person, after reviewing so many of her books and reading her answers to my interview questions, I felt as if I knew her--and I respected her as a writer.

That's the sad news about this past month.

Now for the good news:

My lilac bushes by the front porch are blooming, and their sweet fragrance greets me every day.



This week, my husband and our grandson spent time out at our country place in Osage County. Our grandson is on spring break. With all the rain, the Gasconade River (which abuts our property) is up, but it didn't keep them from having fun. The found several pounds of morel mushrooms and saw turkeys and deer. I can't wait until they come home later today day so I can see all the pictures they took.


My granddaughter had a good month, too. In the middle of the month she traveled to Columbia after winning first place and the right to represent this district in a state-wide leadership conference. Her soccer team won 1st place in a local conference and her team was undefeated (until last night). The team that defeated them last night "played dirty," with slide tackles and faking injuries when our players had breakaways. And sadly, one of her teammates was injured and had to be carried off the field.

April was also a good month for members of my critique group.

Alice Muschany won a 1st, a 2nd, and a 3rd place award in the sponsor and chapter categories at the Missouri Writers' Group Conference. Marcia Gaye won a 1st and a 2nd place in the sponsor and category awards at the same conference.

Claudia Shelton, also a member of my critique group received outstanding news. She is a finalist in the Daphne Du Mauier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense. Her unpublished category suspense (Please Be Careful) was among the five finalists. Keep your fingers crossed.

April was a productive month for me personally:

* I won 1st place in the President's Award category for Best Short Story at the MWG conference this month for published short stories. My story, "Criminal Minds," had been published in Hot Flash Mommas, A Shaker of Margaritas by Mozark Press.
* My personal essay "Read Away Vacation" was published in Flashlight Memories by Silver Boomer Books.
* Two of my short stories have been accepted for anthologies to be published later this year.
* I finished three reviews and two interviews for Bookreporter.com and Teenreads.com.

And finally, who could not be swept up by the pagentry, drama--and yes love--of the Royal Couple, William and Kate, in yesterday's ceremony in London?



Now that April is behind us, with its mixed memories and desires, I wish you all a wonderful month of May.

My Friend Alice and Chicken Soup for the Soul

Yesterday at critique group, my writing friend Alice Muschany gave me a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Grandmothers, which will be released next month. Alice has three true stories in the Chicken Soup Grandmothers issue.

Her inscription at the front of the book brought tears to my eyes. Despite many hardships she has suffered, she is a generous, thoughtful, and funny woman--full of life and joy.

She is a wonderful writer who manages to touch your heart while putting a smile on your face. Even the guys in our group love Alice's stories--and they are tough critics.

Yesterday she also gave me a print copy of call-outs for possible CS book titles, and she read a humorous true story about her Vegas wedding for the CS Brides and Weddings call-out. With all these submission opportunities, I thought surely my blog visitors have stories to submit.

So, if you're looking for a market for your true stories, the editors at Chicken Soup have several call-outs. Here are a few with deadlines coming up soon:

* Devotional Stories in Times of Troubles - Feb 28 (a 500-words limit--but hurry, hurry)

* Canada - Feb 28 (another quick deadline for our neighbors up North)

* Brides and Weddings - Apr 30

Check out the Chicken Soup for the Soul website for submission guidelines and additional possible book titles.

Congratulations--and thank you--Alice!