St. Louis Cardinals Prevail in Game 6 of World Series: In Baseball and In Writing - Never Quit

Last night's Game 6 of the World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers was thrilling!

My teenage granddaughter and I stayed up and watched the game after hubby and grandson called it a night. I was bone-tired after cleaning the house for Bunco--which is at my house tonight--and at one point I told Cari I was going to bed, but she convinced me to stay up till the game was over.

Boy, am I glad I did. It is a shared memory Cari and I will have for years to come. The game didn't start out pretty for the Cardinals--not many hits, three costly errors. Winning Game 6 wasn't look promising. But the Cardinals never quit.

When David Freese tied the game with a triple in the bottom of the 9th, I got a glimmer of hope. Then Texas shot ahead. When Lance Berkman tied the game in the 10th inning, I stood up and cheered, "Lance, Lance. He's our man. If he can't do it, no one can." Then hometown hero David Freese struck again, toppng off the evening with an 11th inning home run. Cheers. Chills. Tears. Unreal.

No matter what the Cardinals do tonight in Game 7, last night's game--and this season--will be one I will always remember. At one point late in last night's game the Cards were down by three runs. They didn't quit. They fought back. To quote Dylan Thomas, they refused "to go gentle into that good night."

Flashback: In 1964, when I was around Cari's age, my sister Kathleen and I and some friends skipped school (with our parents' permission and the good nuns at our high school not disapproving) and camped  overnight outside the old Sportsmen's Park for Game 7 of the World Series between the underdog St. Louis Cardinals and the favored New York Yankees. That October night was cold as we huddled beneath our blanket. But it was an experience I have never forgotten.  Bleacher tickets cost $2. I had saved money from babysitting to pay for my ticket. We were able to buy two tickets each. A friend of Kathleen's paid us $5 for our extra $2 bleacher ticket, which paid for our own ticket, plus snacks at the stadium. What a deal!

A lot has changed since 1964. The Cardinals have moved stadiums twice since then. I heard this morning the least expensive available ticket cost around $400 for standing room only. In 1964, when Bob Gibson pitched the Cardinals to beat the New York Yankees, I climbed down the bleacher wall and followed other fans onto the field while my sister stood in the bleachers holding our blanket, yelling for me to be careful. How crazy was that?

Crazy, but well worth the memory. Yep. Baseball fans and writers have a lot in common; we're dedicated and a little bit crazy.

The resilience, persistence, and never-give-up attitude of the Cardinals is a lesson for me as a writer. In spite of rejections or close-but-not-quite-there placement in contests, I'll keep on plugging away, doing what I love to do--write--oh, and root for my hometown Cardinals.

Imo's, Good Pizza and Good Business

About a month ago I complained about getting "Ripped Off by J.C. Penney" after an incident at a local Penney's store. Since then I've received several coupons in the mail --- one if I spend $10 they will take $10 off my bill. Although that $10 coupon was very tempting, I haven't budged. Instead I've been shopping at Kohl's.

Today I want to share a story of a situation where Imo's, a local chain restaurant, took an opposite approach when one of its employees made a mistake.

A couple weeks ago, after one of my granddaughter's soccer games, my family stopped to grab lunch at a local pizzeria. Imo's pizza is a local brand known for its thin crust as a "square beyond compare."  For lunch, the grandkiddos (and granddaughter's boyfriend) ordered pizzas, 20 hot wings, and sodas. I opted for pasta and salad.  The tab came to $44 plus change.

I put the order on my credit card and we all headed for a table. While I ate my salad, the cashier came out and told me he had charged me for 30 wings rather than 20 and asked me to sign a new credit slip, which came to about $38. As I signed the second charge slip, he insured me the first charge would be voided.

A couple days later when my husband was checking my credit card charges on line he noticed both charges appeared on my card. My pizza/chicken wing/pasta/salad lunch bill was now over $80. Yikes!

"Get me that receipt," he said, "and I'll take care of it."

After I dug the receipt out of my cavernous purse, hubby called the restaurant and explained the situation. The manager apologized and promised to take care of it right away.

Two days later hubby checked again and both charges were still there. He called the restaurant again. By that time it was too late for the restaurant to adjust the charge and he suggested hubby call the main office, which he did. Because it was too late for even the main office to remove the charge, the supervisor there gave the option of getting a credit at the restaurant that made the mistake or receiving a check for the $44 plus change. Hubby opted for the check.

A few days later a check arrived in the mail, along with a written apology and a gift card for $20.

So, while the Imo's restaurant made a mistake, they corrected it right away. They not only refunded our overcharge, but also sent a gift card and an apology.

Now, that's the way to do business and keep customers coming back--and their pizza really is a "square beyond compare."

Memories of Memphis

Our trip to Memphis this weekend for Cari's soccer tournament was an adventure. Saturday morning a group of six of us hurried from our hotel to Beale Street and hunted for the Peabody Hotel.

With the clock ticking for the 11 a.m. duck show, we hurried from the parking lot and made a left and found what we thought was the Peabody. We dashed up about twenty concrete steps then found out it was not an entrance to the Peabody.  We should've taken a right.

After jogging back down the steps we found the entrance to the hotel and saw a mass of people crowded around a large fountain.  The famous Peabody ducks had already made their appearance, but at least the girls got to see them swim in the fountain.

Next we headed for the Memphis Redbirds baseball stadium, where we were surprised we were able to enter. On our way inside we encountered a self-described "unofficial City of Memphis greeter." He said, "I'm not begging for money. I just want to point out some of our city landmarks."

He trailed behind us and told us how the Chicago White Sox play in the stadium. That's when we got our first hint he wasn't realy a city greeter and was, in fact, trying to get some money out of us.  

After losing our city ambassador and visiting the stadium, we trekked to the FedEx Forum. The rows of colorful balls (and one fishing bobber) outside were whimsical.

Surprisingly, the sidewalk and street were almost deserted, so it gave me a great opportunity to take lots of photos. Arriving before noon must be the right time to avoid crowds.

After leaving there we headed for the main attraction, the blues and barbeque area center of Memphis, on Beale Street.  

The few cars we saw driving around were memorable: a souped-up red Mustang driven by our friendly "unofficial Memphis greeter," a blue Bentley, an Audi, and a BMW to name a few.  We also saw a street performer who did about a dozen back flips down the brick street, accompanied by a partner who passed around a plastic jar for tips.

All-in-all it was fun, and a memorable way to spend a Saturday morning before the soccer tournament.

One of the highlights of the evening was getting updated about the Cardinals victory during the last soccer match Saturday night.

After the match a group of us drove around looking for a restaurant. Driving around Memphis is an adventure. While the locals are known for their Southern hospitality, it apparently doesn't extend to their driving.  After witnessing a few near wrecks and watching emergency vehicles at the scene of a car wrapped around a telephone pole, we drove even more cautiously.  Eventually we found a Steak n Shake, where we saw an Elvis impersonator and a man whose face was covered with tattoos.

Sunday it rained before the soccer match then let up for a bit, although the sun never did make an appearance. On the drive home, Cari remarked that Saturday morning was a lot of fun. The rain let up for the drive home. As we drove north on I-55, I noticed the cotton fields of Northern Arkansas and Southeast Missouri made the ground look snow-covered. It was quite a sight.

Our trip to Memphis was lots of fun, and a weekend of special memories.

Sarah Whitney Interviews Christie Craig on the MWG Conference Blog

Over on the MWG Conference Notes blog, MWG Publicity Chair Sarah Whitney has posted another great interview of a speaker for the 2012 MWG Conference.

Sarah's latest interview is with Christie Craig, a multi-talented and sassy Southern author and self-professed contest diva who writes humor, romance, YA, and non-fiction. Wow!

Read Sarah's interview to find out how Christie sold four novels in one day!  Yep. That's right. Four novels in one day!

While you're visiting the conference blog, you can find out how to win a copy of one of Christie's book, Don’t Mess With Texas or Born at Midnight. 

To find out more about Christie, visit her website.

Happy Birthday, Michael

It's hard to believe my grandson Michael is officially a teenager today. We now have two teenagers in our household.

Michael had a great birthday celebration. Last night he got his own cell phone and some money, and we went out to dinner. He picked the restaurant.

Today he got a new dirt bike from his other grandparents, some St. Louis Cardinals' gear from his sister, clothes, and other cool gifts. Because the Cards are in the World Series he didn't have to wear his school uniform and got to wear his Cardinals' shirt and hat to school.

I'm not the greatest photographer, but here's a photo I took of him after he got home from school this afternoon.

While he was at school I baked his favorite cake. The name on the recipe is Texas Sheet Cake, but since the Cardinals are playing the Texas Rangers in the World Series, I'm just calling it Michael's Favorite Chocolate Sheet Cake.

So, happy birthday to our teenage grandson, Michael! Hope you enjoy your cake!

Spotlight On - Dianna Graveman and 2 Rivers Communications and Design

As a freelance writer, I'm happy when I am given assignments and get paid for what I love to do -- write. And I'm inspired when I hear about other freelancers who make the most of their writing gifts. 

Dianna Graveman is a dynamic writer and friend who has done just that. Her talent, enthusiasm, and energy are inspiring.

Dianna Graveman is a freelance writer, a teacher, a speaker, and an editor who recently established her own communications business: 2 Rivers Communications & Design. 

I've known Dianna for almost ten years through Saturday Writers, and for about eight years through the Missouri Writers' Guild. Over the past year we have become even better friends through In Vino Veritas (in wine there is truth), a small group of writing friends who get together each month. At IVV we exchange ideas, discuss writing, share stories, and talk about whatever else comes to mind --- oh, and we also toast our accomplishments with a glass of wine.

During a recent IVV dinner I was excited to learn about Dianna's latest venture: 2 Rivers Communications & Design. Her new enterprise specializes in offering business communications and editorial services for any size project. With Dianna's experience in writing, publishing, teaching, marketing, and corporate communications, she delivers high quality products and services.

What's so impressive to me is the wide-range of services Dianna provides from editing manuscripts, writing newsletters, producing brochures, speaking, even designing business cards and menus.

And I know from experience the quality of Dianna's services and her reliability to deliver more than what is expected.

Several years ago when I was President of the Missouri Writers' Guild and looking for a contest judge, I asked Dianna if she would help out. She did not hesitate and got her results to me earlier than the deadline. When I needed a speaker for Saturday Writers, Dianna and her husband Don talked to our group about the historic books they co-wrote. When I wanted to interview a published writer on my blog, she agreed and also has donated copies of her books as giveaways. I know for a fact that she has done the same to help other writers.

Dianna is the current editor for the Missouri Writers' Guild newsletter, and she has done a remarkable job with the design and content of the newsletter and has testimonials to prove it!

So, if you're looking for a talented writer to edit your manuscript, need a creative mind to design your blog or develop Power Point charts for a business presentation, or if you need help with any writing project, I highly recommend Dianna Graveman. She is a gifted writer with lots of creative ideas who delivers a quality product on time. If you'd like more info about Dianna or 2 Rivers Communications and Design, visit her website.

Cardinals and Zombies and Snakes -- Oh, my!

Yesterday was strange, surprising --- and memorable.


Last night the St. Louis Cardinals clinched their 18th National League pennant and are headed for the World Series. Back in August, with the end of the season in sight, sports reporters, fans, and other ball teams pronounced the Cardinals’ season finished.

An opposing player from one team talked about burying the team in the ground and covering them with dirt.

Because the Red Birds refused to die, someone in the media dubbed them the “Zombie” Cardinals. Bats came to life. The bullpen woke up. Heroes emerged. Last night, amid champagne and celebration, third-baseman David Freese was awarded the trophy for Most Valuable Player in the National League series. A hometown hero was crowned!

Yesterday afternoon I witnessed another local hero emerge on a different field. His heroics took place in rural St. Charles --- on a soccer field surrounded by dry and dusty acres of recently plowed corn fields.

While my granddaughter’s soccer team warmed up before their game, I noticed commotion on an adjacent field. The game had stopped. Refs stood on the sidelines. Teenage girls from both teams huddled around midfield. People stood and stared at a man zigzagging near a goal post. I heard a few squeals as a soccer dad – with a Cardinals’ baseball cap on his head and a large plastic cup in one hand – chased a critter that had invaded his daughter's soccer field.

Soccer Dad bent down then quickly stood and backed up. Up and down. Thrust and parry. Back and forth. He maneuvered into position as he tried to capture something on the ground with his cup.

At first I thought the critter was a wounded bird unable to fly away. Then I caught a glimpse of slimy skin glinting off the midday sun when the critter hopped. A bullfrog? If so, it was a long and skinny frog. With a final thrust, Soccer Dad stopped the critter with his cup then lifted his catch by its neck. The captured creature shimmied and shook.

A snake. A black snake. A long black snake.

With fans applauding, Soccer Dad carried the wiggling reptile at arm’s length and deposited it in the closest, recently plowed corn field. Soccer Dad returned, victorious, brushing his hands on his jeans as the crowd whooped and cheered. The game restarted. A hero emerged, this one unnamed and unknown except to family and friends.

Yep. Yesterday had the ingredients that stories and memories are made of --- drama, tension, conflict, surprises, heroes, villains, adoring crowds, the victorious and the vanquished, and for St. Louis sports fans --- a happy ending.

Pay It Forward Blog Fest

Today is a special day for bloggers.

Matthew MacNish from the Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiment is co-hosting the Pay It Forward Blog Fest.

The three blogs I would like to introduce my visitors to are:

* Mary from WritRTeachR 

* Tammy from Message in a Bloggle: the Art of Being Broken.

* Lynn from Present Letters

To check out all the blogs participating in the blog hop, click on the links below.

Pre-Order Storm Country Anthology to Benefit Joplin School District Libraries

It's hard to believe it's been almost five months since the tragic tornado hit Joplin, Missouri.

As the rebuilding and healing continue, the Missouri Writers' Guild is raising funds to help Joplin libraries purchase new books through publication of Storm Country Anthology. 

Poets and writers throughout the Midwest contributed stories, poems, and essays with storm-related themes for the anthology. I'm excited and honored that my short story, "Golden Lilacs Under the Worm Moon," was selected to appear in Storm Country.

After the anthology is published, a few contributors from the metro-St. Louis area will participate in a book signing, probably some time in mid-November. When details are available I will post them here.

If you would like to pre-order a copy of the anthology, here's how:

Anthologies are available for $10 per copy.

Make checks payable to: MWG Joplin Book Drive

Mail to:
MWG Joplin Book Drive
Missouri Writers’ Guild
1203 Spartina Drive
Florissant, MO 63031

If you have any questions, e-mail MWG President Deb Marshall at mwgpres@gmail.com

All proceeds go towards to the Joplin Book Drive to benefit Joplin School District Libraries.

I put my check in the mail last night so I can be sure to get some copies for family and friends.

Critique Group Adventures and Mysteries of the Ozarks (Volume IV)

Tuesday's critique group at the Rendezvous Cafe in O'Fallon is always an adventure, but some days it's more exciting than others.

Today was memorable.

Lou Turner, Nick Nixon, and Marcia Gaye gave updates on their trek last weekend to the Ozarks Creative Writers' Conference in Eureak Springs, Arkansas.

Lou is on the OCW board and was instrumental in planning and organizing the conference.

Nick performed to stellar reviews by attendees and an extra special review by keynote speaker David Morrell. 

Marcia was a big winner at the awards ceremony.

At critique group today we had five readings. As always, readings and critiques are learning experiences.

Lou also hand-delivered my copies of Mysteries of the Ozarks (Volume IV), edited by Ellen Gray Massey from Ozark Writers, Inc., and published by High Hill Press. 

My story "The Night the Circus Came to Town" is included in the anthology, along with about two dozen other stories. I can't wait to read them all. 

Last Saturday I received a check from Ellen for my story. Today one critique member asked if she could buy a copy, and of course I sold her one at a huge discount. I'm not going to get rich like this, but it is a rewarding experience to see my words in print and know others will read them too.

Holding a book in my hands that contains one of my stories is a rush. It's a feeling that never grows old.

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.

Link to Sarah Whitney's Interview with Claire Cook and MWG Conference Sneak Peak

Missouri Writers' Guild Publicity Chair Sarah Whitney has posted an inspiring interview on the MWG Conference Blog with Claire Cook, one of the keynote speakers for the 2012 MWG Conference next April.

Cook is the award-winning author of eight novels. Her second novel Must Love Dogs was made into a movie.  You can read more about Claire on her website.

In Sarah's interview with Claire, we get a sneak peak at what Claire will cover during her conference early arrival seminar titled “Just Write It: Practical Strategies for Starting and Finishing the Book that Only You Can Write.”

Claire also shares a bit about what she will discuss during her Saturday Luncheon Keynote that will address George Eliot’s quote: "It’s never too late to be what you might have been."

Personal Note: In high school, after reading George Eliot's Silas Marner, I decided it was my favorite book. When I wrote a book report and referred to Mr. Eliot's wonderful novel, the nun who taught me English promptly informed me (in red ink on my report) that George Eliot was actually a woman named Mary Anne Evans. So, the quote from Eliot/Evans is not only inspiring, but also intriguing.

Back to Sarah's interview. Sarah's questions and Claire's answers are full of thoughtful information. Hop on over to the MWG Conference blog for a chance to win a signed copy of Claire Cook's latest novel, Best Staged Plans.

Act fast. The last day to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Claire's book is TODAY!

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! 

Messages to and from Heaven

Today is a bittersweet day for me.

Today is  my late son's birthday. He would've been 39 today. So, happy birthday, Walter Erik.  We all love and miss you and pray that you and your sister Julie and brother-in-law Mikey are at peace in heaven.

Today is also the submission deadline for Chicken Soup for the Soul: Messages from Heaven.

Several weeks ago when I read the story callout and noticed the due date, I knew I wanted to submit a story, so I wrote "The Latin Book." It is a story about a message I received in the form of a Latin book that had belonged to an eighth-grade classmate of mine who was killed in Vietnam. I originally wrote the story not long after discovering the book at the county book fair, then I misplaced the manuscript, so I rewrote the story from memory.

Last night I sent it off, after having a couple of critique buddies take a look at it over the weekend then revising it using many of their comments and rewriting the ending to reflect more closely what actually happened. I hope the story makes the cut. Although I'm certain the editors will get a ton of entries, I figure it's worth a shot.

So, on this lovely October day my thoughts are on heaven. I hope you will join me and take time to remember loved ones who have passed on, whether you are sending a message to them in heaven or hoping to receive one from them.

Note: I've gotten e-mails from friends who tried to post but couldn't. I don't know what is wrong, but I appreciate the e-mails and words of encouragement.

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.