Book Signing at Main Street Books in St. Charles this Saturday

Whenever I visit St. Charles, one of my favorite places to drop in is Main Street Books.

Main Street Books is an independent book store located in historic St. Charles, Missouri, not far from the banks of the Missouri River. As well as being an author herself, Main Street Book Store owner Vicky Erwin is a tireless champion for local writers.

This coming Saturday, October 1, Vicky has rolled out the carpet again by hosting a book signing for three local writers: Linda O'Connell, Sheree Nielsen, and Faye Adams.

I know all three women,  and most of you probably recognize the name Linda O'Connell. Linda is a blogger buddy and a frequent visitor to Donna's Book Pub.  

Linda, Faye, and Sheree have works included in the "Nurturing Paws" Anthology. The anthology, published by Whispering Angel Books, is described as "an uplifting collection of more than 80 short stories and poems celebrating the remarkable ability of animals to ease our physical and emotional pain while showing us love, compassion, and acceptance."

Here are details about the event: 

Who: Linda O'Connell, Sheree Nielsen, and Faye Adams

What: Author event and book signing of "Nurturing Paws" anthology

When: Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. 

Where: Main Street Books, 307 S. Main Street in St. Charles, MO

Why: To introduce readers to the "Nurturing Paws" anthology, encourage local writers, and support training doogs that help the disabled.

Note: In an e-mail I received from Faye Adams, I found out that a portion of the proceeds will go to help train dogs that help the disabled.

If you are from the metro-St. Louis/St. Charles area I hope you can make it.  If you live too far away, you can order "Nurturing Paws" on line.

I already have a full schedule on Saturday (a football game, a wedding, and a reception), so I doubt if I'll be able to make the signing, but I'll be cheering the women on from the sidelines.

Ripped Off by JC Penney

Last week on Lisa Ricard Claro's blog, she posted "No Customr Service - Still," about her problems getting service from Sears. When I read her post I understood what she was talking about; I have shared her pain with big chain stores making promises but failing to deliver.

Yesterday I had a similar experience with JC Penney. Yep. I got ripped off by JC Penney with their bogus coupons and misleading business practice of "price adjustments."

Question: Where is a $10 off coupon not really worth $10?

Answer: JC Penney, at least the one at Mid Rivers Mall in St. Peters, MO.

Here's what happened: Last Thursday my granddaughter bought a dress for homecoming at JC Penney at West County Mall. She used my debit card, and I must admit; her dress is adorable and she got a good deal.

After I saw where she bought the dress, I remembered I had a $10 off coupon and found out I could get a price adjustment.I figured the $10 could go towards buying a pair of shoes to go with her dress.

So, yesterday, I took my receipt, debit card, and $10 off coupon to our closest JC Penney story at Mid Rivers Mall in St. Peters.

The cashier told me that since my granddaughter used my debit card she would have to refund my purchase in cash then I would have to rebuy the dress to use the $10 off coupon. No problem so far.

With cash in hand I waited for the cashier to rering the purchase and deduct the $10 coupon. The final result was a refund of $6 and change.

Wait. What?

I held the money in front of her and asked, "What is this?"

"It's because of the tax," she answered.

"But it was a $10 off coupon. I should get more than $10 back,not less, because of the taxes."

"Let's see," she said, studying the receipt.

Then she told me that the dress had gone up in price since last Thursday so she had to charge me Monday's price for the dress. Hence my "price adjustment" was that I actually paid MORE for the dress before the coupon was deducted.

"Sorry that's the best I can do," she said, as she tore up my coupon and put it in the trash before I could ask for a do-over and use my $10 coupon to buy something else.

Because I was in a hurry to pick up my grandson from school I didn't have time to ask to talk to a manager--and there was a long line of people waiting behind me.

"Well, it's better than nothing, but not much better," I said, fuming.

As I stepped aside and  put my receipt and credit card away, the woman behind me in line told the cashier she had a 20% off coupon, but it wasn't good until Wednesday.

"That's okay," the cashier said, ringing up the woman's purchase, "You can buy it today and bring it back on Wednesday for a price adjustment."

Good luck with that, lady, because at JC Penney the price adjustments aren't what you think they are.

My lesson is to avoid shopping at JC Penney, where apparently a "price adjustment" isn't what it seems and the JCP actually stands for Jerking around Customers, Plenty!

Hey, wait. Maybe I'll write to their corporate office and see what they think of my new acronym.  Who knows, it might catch on.

Contest Announcement from Saturday Writers - Deadline November 1, 2011

Saturday Writers 10th Annual Short Story Contest is open for entries from all writers.

Need not belong to Saturday Writers to enter
DEADLINE: November 1, 2011 (Postmarked)
Word Limit: 2011 (as in the year 2011)
Prizes: 1st place: $100, 2nd place: $50, 3rd place: $25 (4th through 6th places receive certificates.)
Entry fee: $7 per story, Maximum of three entries per person (separate fee for each entry, but may be included in one check)
(Discount fee for members of Saturday Writers, the Missouri Writers'  Guild, or chapters of the Missouri Writers' Guild - $5 per story.)
*Checks payable to Saturday Writers
* Short stories only (no poems, essays or articles)
* No pornography or gore
* Must be written in English
* Entry must be unpublished at time of submission and the original work of the contestant (unpublished includes not published on a blog or other internet site)
* Contestants retain all rights to their stories
* Standard manuscript format: 8 1/2 x 11 paper
* Send two copies of each entry
* Typed and double-spaced on one side of the paper
* Pages numbered, title of entry on every page on entry
* Attach a separate cover sheet and include: story title, name, address, e-mail, phone number, and MWG chapter name (if applicable)
* Do NOT send by certified mail!
* Mail fee and two copies of each entry, flat, not folded, by November 1, 2011 to:

Saturday Writers

10th Annual Short Story Contest

P.O. Box 2093

St. Peters, MO 63376

* Keep a copy of your entry because stories will not be returned.
* Winners' names will be announced during the December Saturday Writers meeting.
* Certificates and prizes will be mailed by the end of December 2011.

Interview with Chris DiGuiseppi and Mike Force (Part II)

In Part II of their interview, Chris and Mike talk about how they deal with the darker side of human nature on their jobs and the message readers they hope will take away from their novel, THE LIGHT BRINGER.

Donna: In your career as police officers you deal with the darker side of human nature every day, yet you both are positive and grounded. How do you manage to keep your spirits up in the midst of the dark side of life?

Chris and Mike: For me it’s two things that are directly related – God and good people. My faith and spirituality have carried me through many traumatic incidents and those good people around me help ease the burden. They are people I can talk to about those difficult situations. Many times in law enforcement we tend to overlook the fact that police officers are human beings that need some type of coping mechanism to deal with tragedy. Sadly, the ways that some have chosen to cope involve very destructive paths that involve depression, alcoholism, broken marriages and even suicides. Inspired by both our faith and those closest to us, we found that writing the book was our way of cleansing our souls.

Donna: I've known you two for a couple years and it is evident that you both are spiritual and compassionate. What message do you hope readers or anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one will take away after reading THE LIGHT BRINGER?

Chris and Mike: A message of hope and inspiration that leads them to believe there is life after death. Also a message that allows the reader to take a look at the way they’re living their life which will affect those things that happen after we die. We also want the reader to know that they are not alone in their despair and frustration over the mystery of death. Lastly, we believe it important for those who have found it difficult to forgive themselves for things they have done in this life to recognize that there is help there for them to forgive and return to a path that serves God and their fellow man better.

Donna: That is a positive message for sure. Next question - I’ve been told that just about every police officer has that one case that won’t let go. Without giving specifics or names, can you share anything about which case that is for you? Without going into too many details it’s those cases that never really leave your mind.

Chris: With me it’s the ones that involve children. I can still vividly remember the time when I held an infant that died. I still remember the image and his face – it never really goes away. It’s those things that haunt us but yet it’s that baby’s face that gives me inspiration to write and try to help others in grief and pain. Death has been a great and horrible teacher which has taught me an incredible amount about life.

Mike: There are so many tragic events that have become part of what drives me to try to help others that I hesitate to single one out. However, a particularly tormenting case involved a teenage girl who had run away from her home in Georgia to stay with an aunt in Missouri. Stricken with depression and not being able to find the help she needed she took her own life by way of a shotgun blast to her face. I cannot help but be reminded of her and the importance of helping others through their toughest times as I deal with troubled youth and their parents.

Donna: What has been the reaction from readers to your book?

Chris and Mike: We’ve had great feedback and comments. It’s extremely rewarding to hear people who say to us that our book really helped them. We’ve had people approach us at book signings who were crying because they could relate to the story and how it touched their hearts losing a loved one. Helping those people and seeing the book make a difference has been beyond rewarding. Knowing that The Light Bringer serves to provoke thought that results in someone bettering their lives is a wonderful reward for the work we've don on the book.

Donna: I have to admit that I got chills while reading parts of your book, and at other times I was uplifted, so I can imagine that others have felt the same way. What’s next for Chris and Mike?

Chris and Mike: Other than continuing our law enforcement careers we’re working on the other two books in The Light Bringer trilogy. The second book is complete and in draft form awaiting initial edits.

Donna: Do you have any book signings or speaking events scheduled for the near future?

Chris and Mike: We are talking to Saturday Writers on Saturday, September 24, at the Cultural Arts Center in St. Peters City Hall. The meeting begins at 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. We have books available for sale at the meeting.  We also have a book signing at Rose’s Bookhouse on October 29th at 12pm in O’Fallon MO (8935 Veterans Memorial Parkway O'Fallon, MO 63366-3093)

Donna: If someone is unable to make it to one of your live events, what’s the best way for readers to contact you to order copies of your book?

Chris and Mike: You can order the book through our website, www.thelightbringerbook.com at Barnes and Nobel or Amazon or through many local bookstores such as Main Street Books, Roses Book House, Paperbacks, Etc., Barnes and Nobel or request it at your favorite book store. Email us at authors@thelightbringerbook.com – we love to hear from readers!

Donna: Anything else you’d like to add?

Chris and Mike: Yes, we want everyone to know that when we started seriously pursuing this endeavor we did so through your Coffee and Critique group where we found invaluable advice and information about writing. We want other writers to know that the creative thought and constructive criticism that we received from that group gave us a great foundation that pushed us into the literary world. Anyone serious about writing should consider such a group as a necessary resource.

And in parting we would like to say – In those dark times of despair may you find great clarity in what to do – God bless and stay safe, Chris and Mike.

Donna: Thanks for your time and wisdom--and for mentioning our critique group.  I'm so happy for your success and wish you much more, not only publishing books, but also for touching the lives of people in need.

Author Interview (Part I)- Chris DiGiuseppi and Mike Force, Co-authors of THE LIGHT BRINGER

I'm pleased today to welcome Lake Saint Louis Police Officers Chris DiGiuseppi and Mike Force, co-authors of the supernatural adventure novel, THE LIGHT BRINGER.

NOTE: Chris and Mike will be signing books today, Tuesday, September 20, at 6 p.m. at The Meadows in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri.  And on Saturday, September 24, they will speak at the Saturday Writers meeting at the St. Peters City Hall, from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m.

Donna: Thanks for taking the time from your busy work and writing schedules to visit Donna's Book Pub. First will you please briefly tell us a little bit about yourselves--your background, career path--anything you’re comfortable sharing. (The photos of Chris and Mike are from their THE LIGHT BRINGER blog.)

Chris: Everything happens for a reason and my story is no different. In 1991 I graduated from the police academy with high confidence that I was going to attain a job at one of the higher paying police departments. Nine months later my ambitions of becoming a police officer were dwindling as I had interviewed at approximately 15 different departments all ending in rejection. My first meeting with Mike Force was when he offered me the opportunity to become a full time police officer for $17,000 per year and although I was glad to have a job, I was disappointed that it wasn’t one of the higher paying departments. Looking back on it now I realize that it was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I rose though the ranks to become the Assistant Chief of Police, attained my undergraduate degree in human resources and my graduate degree in business administration. I also graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command and the FBI National Academy which is one of the premier certifications in law enforcement. Aside from law enforcement, I became a published author with my friend and co-author, Mike Force, this past year with our debut novel, The Light Bringer. My family is the most important aspect of my life and I’m truly blessed to have them.

Mike: Like Chris, I have a strong belief that all things that happen, happen for a reason. I left high shool and joined the Marine Corps in 1969 primarily for financial reasons but also out of a strong sense of patriotism which stemmed from the values offered by my parents. During my next 22 years of active duty in the Marine Corps, I was afforded opportunities to finish my high school education, obtain a Bachelor's Degree and matriculated to service as a Commisioned Officer in 1981. After retiring from the Marine Corps in 1991, I spent a short amount of time self employed in the computer industry but missed the closeness of a small group working environment. I applied for and was selected for my current position as Chief of Police in Lake Saint Louis, Mo in March of 1992. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, A Master of Science in Human Resource Management and am a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Chris and I became published authors in 2010 and continue to try to bring our message to othrs regarding the importance of how we live our lives through writing and speaking engagements.

Donna: Thank you for sharing that. Sounds like you both have had incredible journeys to bring you to where you are today. My next question is about your book. THE LIGHT BRINGER is a supernatural adventure story. Alan Crane, the main character, is a police officer and former military man who has a special gift. What was your inspiration for THE LIGHT BRINGER?



Chris and Mike: After many years of dealing with death and tragedy we wanted to put together a story that challenged the reader to think beyond their own mortality. Alan Crane is a compilation of many different people we’ve met over the years who promote qualities of empathy and compassion for those who deal with the loss of a loved one. Our inspiration was also derived from those experiences with grief and despair along with the frustration of trying to understand death.


Donna: In THE LIGHT BRINGER Officer Crane is given the task to lead 16 people who have died to their spiritual fates. While your book is classified as fiction, the characters and situations seem factual. How did you balance fact with fiction in writing your book?


Chris and Mike: Those 16 incidents were based on real accounts that we’ve encountered over the years. Since we don’t have factual answers as to “why people die” we had to blend an element of supernatural fiction into the story in order for the reader to formulate their own answer. Aside from the 16 different incidents where people die, the emotion in the story is very real and taken from our own experiences.

Donna: You are right about the emotion being very real. Several times I got chills reading your novel. My next few questions will focus on the writing of your novel. You work together as police officers and you co-wrote THE LIGHT BRINGER. How did the collaboration process work?

Chris: It was a smooth process as Mike and I share the same values and beliefs. We utilized a working copy of the manuscript and a document where we kept notes on varying ideas. Having a co-author enhanced the story as we would bounce thoughts and concepts off each other which often sparked new creative ideas.


Mike: Chris and I developed the details of the story across time. As Chris said, often we would bounce ideas off of each other then develop the thought and share each other's ideas before settling on direction. Many of our ideas were discussed over lunch hours and then finalized at night.

Donna: It is obvious that you share a close friendship as well as a working relationship on the book, and that is evident in your writing. Next, can you please tell us about your publication journey. How long did it take to write your book? Find an agent? Edit and revise? Find a publisher?

Chris and Mike: It was a long journey that started with a draft manuscript and a good friend who was a published author. Our friend, Tom Hill, read the manuscript early on and encouraged us to keep moving forward. He introduced us to our Literary Agent, Linda Langton, who worked with us for about a year and a half on edits. The editing process was hard and tedious as we combed the story over and over for content, flow, characterization and voice. Between April and June of 2010 our agent applied to approximately 30 different publishers hoping that someone would take us. In November of 2010 we were offered and signed a contract with HCI Books. From January through June of 2011, we built up our network and marketing plan while working with the publisher’s editing department to finalize the book. The Light Bringer was released on July 1st 2011 and had a great kick-off. We’ve been on the local best sellers list among St. Louis independent book stores for 5 out of 8 weeks.

Donna: Sounds like your persistence, planning, and hard work paid off, and congratulations for the wonderful success you've had thus far. The book trailer for THE LIGHT BRINGER is haunting and professional looking. What can you tell us about the production of the book trailer?

Chris and Mike: The book trailer was a great marketing tool and very effective. It was done by a good friend of ours named Jim Modglin from Blue Ocean Media, www.blueoceanmedia.com, who we highly recommend if you’re considering this. Timing is critical when releasing the book trailer. We released a short 30 second teaser a few months before the book was released to raise initial interest and followed with a full trailer a couple weeks prior to book launch. The book trailer allows a sensory appreciation and helps bring your story to life.

Donna: A few more questions about the writing of your novel. What’s the best writing advice you’ve received? The worst?

Chris and Mike: The best advice we’ve received was by our mentor, Tom Hill, who told us that everything revolves around networking. Meet as many people as you can and push others up – this leads to true success. The worst was probably an article that we read that said there was no value in book signing events. We’ve found that book signings are a great marketing tool that not only builds publicity but also fosters a valuable relationship with those people in the book stores who you want to champion your story. We’ve had many different opportunities arise from book signings and have been encouraged by the feedback that we receive as during conversations with readers.

Donna: You are so right about networking being critical for success. Regarding the writing of your novel: If you knew then what you know now, what would you do differently?

Chris and Mike: Networking is the key so I would have started building our network and organizing it years ago. The old saying, “It’s who you know,” is very true when it come to success in the literary world.

That completes the Part I of my interview with Chris and Mike. Check back on Thursday for Part II.

And don't forget, Chris and Mike will be at The Meadows Shopping Center in Lake Saint Louis this evening, September 20, at 6 p.m. and on Saturday at the Saturday Writers meeting from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m. More on that in Part II on my interview.

Submission Opportunity, Conference Announcement and More!

I usually don't blog on Sunday, but this morning I received two e-mails with announcements that I want to share with my blog visitors right away.

The first comes from Sylvia Forbes, a member of the Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writers' Guild.

The Columbia chapter is now accepting entries for their annual anthology, Well Versed 2012. The editor is looking for poetry, fiction and non-fiction. Prizes awarded. Deadline October 31. You can find complete details at the Columbia chapter website under publications.

************

The second announcement comes from Tricia Sanders, chair of the 2012 MWG conference.

As the countdown to the 2012 conference gets under way, Tricia has already secured a meeting place at the Doubletree Hotel in Chesterfield, MO, just outside of St. Louis and has been busy lining up speakers for April 20-22, "Write Time, Write Place, Write Now" event.

The first conference speaker featured on the MWG conference blog is award-winning writer Susan McBride. For a preview of what to expect and a chance to win a signed copy of Susan McBride's latest novel, Little Black Dress, visit the MWG conference blog. Leave a comment by Sep 22 to enter the contest.

******

Hope you stop by next week for my interview with police officers Chris DiGiuseppi and Mike Force, co-authors of the fascinating novel, The Light Bringer.

Announcing the 2011 Dr. Doris Mueller Poetry & Prose Contest

Yesterday I received an e-mail from Deborah Marshall, President of the Missouri Writers' Guild, asking me to announce the

2011 Dr. Doris Mueller Poetry & Prose Contest

Dr. Doris Mueller was a passionate educator, an author, a poet and a long-time member of the Missouri Writers’ Guild. 

Proceeds beyond the prize money will go toward an annual scholarship awarded to a creative writing or English student enrolled in a program in a Missouri college or university.

Note: Contest is open to EVERYONE. Belonging to the MWG is NOT a requirement to enter.

Categories: 

·      Fiction suitable for children       TOPIC:  Imaginary friends                            

·      Short story (YA or Adult)          Choose the same topic or one of your own!

·      Poetry                                           Open

Prizes:

First, second and third prizes in each category will be awarded $100, $50 and $25 respectively, plus certificates. Three Honorable Mentions in each category will be awarded certificates.

Entry Dates:

September 15 – November 15, 2011 

All entries must be postmarked between September 15, 2011 and November 15, 2011.

Rules:

Contest open to EVERYONE.
Belonging to MWG is not a requirement to enter.
All submissions must be previously unpublished.
Prose should be double-spaced in 12-point Times Roman.
Poetry may be single-spaced.
Entry Fees: $7 for each fiction or short story submission.
 $3 for each poem submitted.
Checks payable to Missouri Writers’ Guild.
Writers may submit more than one story per category.
Up to three poems may be submitted in an individual submission.
Stories may be any length up to 1,000 words.
Poetry should be no longer than 50 lines, including title.
Include your name, contact information, title(s) of your story, stories or poems included in the submission on the first page of your submission.
Please include the CATEGORY for each work.
Your name should not appear on the work you submit.
No violence, profanity or derogatory humor.
Entries will not be returned.


Judges:


Fiction Suitable for Children: Jody Feldman, the author of The Gollywhopper Games, a Texas Bluebonnet Award book and Midwest Booksellers’ Choice Honor book, and The Seventh Level, winner of the 2011 Missouri Writers’ Guild “Show Me” Best Book Award.


Short Story: Harvey Stanbrough, a former US Marine who was born in New Mexico, seasoned in Texas, and baked in Arizona. He is a National Book Award nominated poet, a writer and writing instructor.


Poetry: John Han, Professor of English and Creative Writing at Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis.  An award-winning poet, he has authored three poetry volumes: Little Guy Haiku, Chopsticks and Fork, and Thunder Thighs.  


Send entry fees and entries by November 15, 2011 to:

MWG Contests

1203 Spartina Drive

Florissant, MO 63031

Winners will be announced by December 30, 2011. 

Questions? E-mail Deb Marshall, MWG President at mwgpres@gmail.com 

Note: With the low entry fees and range of topics, this is an appealing contest--and I love the "imaginary friend" topic for the stories suitable for children.

Good luck if you enter!

Fall is in the Air, "The Conspirator" and Mary Surratt

Yesterday was rainy. We needed the rain, but it came down in buckets. I'm not complaining; I just got a bit soggy running errands.

Last night it got downright cold. Good weather for chili and hot chocolate--but not together.

In weather like this I am inspired to read and write. 

I also like to watch movies when there's a chill in the air. Last night, after the grandkiddos went to bed, I watched "The Conspirator." The film is about the trial of Mary Surratt, a Southern woman accused of conspiring and harboring John Wilkes Booth and others who plotted to assassinate President Lincoln.

After the movie I found myself up into the wee hours doing research on Mary Surratt. I thought she would be a great character for a story.

How about you? Does cooler weather affect your writing?

Not Just Any Contest! - The Missouri Review Editors' Prize Contest

"Not Just Any Contest!"

That's the way the editors describe the Missouri Review's 21st annual Jeffrey E. Smith Editors' Prize Contest in Fiction, Essay and Poetry.  Here's why:

* Top prizes are $5,000 in Fiction, $5,000 in Poetry and $5,000 in Essay.

* $20 Entry Fee per entry, which entitles entrant to a one-year subscription of The Missouri Review (print or digital).

* For compete guidelines and downloadable entry form, visit the contest website.

* The postmark deadline is October 1, so get writing!

* In the past, selected winning entries have been included in the "Best American" series.

* If you have any questions about the contest, e-mail contest_question@moreview.com

Good luck!

Blog Me Baby Welcome and Questions about Judging Contests

Today I want to take time to welcome my newest follower, Abby from Something to Write About. If you get a chance pop on over to Abby's blog and check it out. Thanks for signing on, Abby. I hope you visit often and join the conversation.

I could use some advice.

I have been a contest judge several time in the past and am going to judge a contest in the immediate future. When I've judged works of fiction I first look at the basics (format, spelling, grammar, etc). Then I focus on story elements: character, voice and the story itself--does it have a beginning, a middle, and an end. I also like titles that enhance the story, and the language and images are also important. If an entry has a  unique voice, strong characters, and good writing I'll overlook minor spelling and grammar hiccups. I separate the entries into Yes, No, and Maybe piles and work from there.

The final question I ask to set the winning entries from the others is: Will I remember this story a year from now? For me, that's the key to pick the winner.

But I'm wondering if there are some elements other judges focus on when they decide which entries are the best.  Is there something I'm missing?

So, for my questions:

* Have you ever been a writing contest judge? 

* If you have been a judge, what do you look for in a winning entry?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Update on Storm Country Anthology to benefit Joplin School District Libraries

It's hard to believe it's been more than three months since the killer tornado touched down and destroyed much of the city of Joplin, Missouri. Since then, the Joplin Chapter of the Missouri Writers Guild, officers of MWG, and members of the regional writing community have been working on ways to help replace books lost because of the tornado. One way the MWG is contributing to the effort, which I blogged about last May, is the publication of the Storm Country Anthology.

Yesterday I received an e-mail from Deborah Marshall, President of the Missouri Writers' Guild, informing me that my short story, "Golden Lilacs Under the Worm Moon," has been selected to be included in the Storm Country Anthology .  

I was excited to learn my story will be included, and even more excited after I read the names of the other contributors, which include several writing friends, blogger buddies--and some famous writers and poets.

Claudia Mundell, President of the Joplin Chapter of the MWG--and the person who came up with the idea for an anthology--will have a piece called "Weather Tantrum" included in the anthology.

Other writing friends and blogger buddies whose works will be included are Pat Wahler, Linda O'Connell, and Lynn Obermoeller.

Some of the writers and poets I know or have met whose works are included are: Susan Swartwout from Southeast Missouri University Press; Linda Fisher from Mozark Press; Kelli Allen, editor of Natural Bridge; mystery writer Elaine Viets, and Walter Bargen, Missouri's first poet laureate. 

I'm looking forward to buying copies of the anthology to read and keep in my own library and to give away as gifts to family and friends.  All proceeds from the anthology go toward buying books for the Joplin School District libraries to help replace the books lost by the killer tornado that hit Joplin last May.

You can find a complete list of contributurs at the Storm Country blog. Maybe you'll recognize some names I haven't listed today. Congratulations to everyone whose works will appear in the anthology, which is slated to be published in October.

Special thanks to Claudia and the Joplin Chapter, along with MWG officers Debbie Marshall, Kelli Allen, and Susan Kirkpatrick, and anyone else who worked behind the scenes to make Storm Country: A Tribute to Joplin a reality.

When I find out more details about the release date I will post them here.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Call Out for Heavenly Stories

I’m not sure why items I hear or read of late are triggering memories of classic rock songs. Saturday night after “I just got back from Illinois,’ I kept singing songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Today, after reading a submission call out from Chicken Soup for the Soul: Messages from Heaven, I’ve been humming the lyrics, “Well, I’ve never been to Heaven, but I’ve been to Oklahoma,” from the Three Dog Night Song, “I’ve Never Been to Spain.”

Who knows when I’ll stop humming lyrics from Three Dog Night songs?

The most recent Chicken Soup call-out is for “stories of signs from beyond--amazing connections and love that doesn’t die.” The call-out suggests writers avoid “as told to” stories or “stories about messages from heaven in the form of rainbows, birds, butterflies, and coins.”

Expected publication date is spring 2012. With a quick production schedule there’s a very short deadline--October 3, 2011.

If your message from heaven story is accepted, payment is $200 plus 10 copies of the anthology.

For complete deadlines, visit the www.chickensoup.com website.

If your story gets accepted, it will be time to “Celebrate, Celebrate!” and shout “Joy to the World!” (In case you're on the young side and don't recognize these references, they're Three Dog Night songs.)

Just Got Back from Illinois and News to Share

Last Friday I didn't mean to stir up so much drama with my post when I wrote that I'd have some exciting news to share this week when I got back from the Labor Day soccer tournament.

After reading all the comments and e-mails telling me I wasn't being fair keeping everyone in suspense, I was surprised and felt bad. So, sorry if I left anyone feeling left out or hanging with my last-minute post before I left to go out of town.

The drama and suspense weren't  intentional. I wanted last Friday's post to focus on the winner of the Cactus Country anthology--not on my news.  So, congratulations again Becky for winning the Cactus Country anthology, and thanks to everyone else who left comments about their favorite cowboys, western movies or series.

Since late last night when we "just got back from Illinois," the lyrics from the Creedence Clear Water Revival song, "Looking Out My Back Door," have been replaying in my mind. The Labor Day weekend soccer tournament in Bollingbrook, Illinois, (west of Chicago) was interesting--the thunderstorms there on Saturday were scary. Oh, and believe it or not, while it was raining outside I went to the hotel room and flipped TV channels and watched an episode of "Rawhide" with none other than my favorite cowboy actor--Clint Eastwood. What a coincidence! I hadn't seen an episode of "Rawhide" in a long, long time.

On to my exciting news:

Last Thursday I received a big brown envelope in the mail with the return address of Delois McGrew, co-editor of Voices Anthology. Inside were a check, a letter, and a contract. The letter informed me that my short story, "Under Grandma's Bottle Tree," won first place in the Voices Anthology contest. Wowser!

Seeing the check raised my eyebrows and put a smile on my face, but reading the letter brought tears of joy. I was shocked and thrilled when I learned that my short story is being nominated for a Pushcart Prize by the editors of Voices Anthology. Double Wowser!!

Thursday afternoon, when my husband -- who had just returned from having two new tires put on the van so I would have a safe trip -- noticed I was crying, he asked me why.  Speechless, I showed him the letter with the check attached. Always the practical one, his comment was, "Good. That will pay for about half of what it cost to get the van fixed."

Later that day I called Lou Turner, one of the Voices co-editors, and thanked her for picking my story. Being the insecure writer that I am, I wanted to make sure my story wasn't picked because we are friends. During our conversation Lou assured me that was not the case, and she gave me insight into how the contest selection process worked.

From more than 60 stories submitted, a panel of three judges independently selected their top three picks. My story was in the top three of all three judges. From those three top picks they then selected one story to win, and my short story was the winning entry.

"Under Grandma's Bottle Tree" is a short story I wrote this summer. It's edgier and darker than what I usually write, so I wasn't sure how it would be received. I'm grateful and happy it won, and I'm excited and humbled at the Pushcart Prize nomination.

The Voices Anthology will be published this fall, and I'm not sure how the Pushcart Prize nomination process works, but as has been said and written by others thousands of times before--and I sincerely mean this-- it is truly an honor to be nominated for the award.

Cowboys and Westerns and the Winner of Cactus Country

Thanks to everyone who left a comment about their favorite cowboy or western movie or series.

We had a broad range of opinions and several similarities from Roy Rogers and John Wayne to Bonanza and Broken Arrow and at least one I'd never heard of before. I have to stick with Clint Eastwood as my favorite. Seriously, I don't care what role he plays, I can't take my eyes off him when he's on the screen. I've even been known to drool. Enough about Clint Eastwood.

From all the visitors, the randomly selected name to win the Cactus Country anthology is . . .

                                                        BECKY

If you will please e-mail me at dvolkenannt (at) charter (dot) net I can make arrangements to get the anthology to you.  To everyone else, thanks again for leaving a comment, and special thanks to Lou Turner from High Hill Press for donating the copy of Cactus Country Anthology as a giveaway.

Before I sign off, I have something to share. Yesterday in the midst of trying to get submissions ready to meet the OWL contest deadline, I received some exciting news in the mail that I'm still trying to digest. I keep pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. I'll let you all know all about it next week.

Hope you all stay safe this Labor Day weekend. I'm headed to the Chicago area tomorrow for a soccer tournament--and some shopping.