From Woman's Day - Life Lessons from Romance Novels

This Woman's Day article written by Denise Schipani got my attention.

In her article, Schipani discusses seven life lessons readers can learn from modern romance novels.

I believe a few of these lessons also apply to being a writer. Of the seven, these three call out at me: authenticity matters, listen to your gut, and never give up.

* As I writer, I want to be authentic and passionate about my writing. If I don't believe in myself and my work, who else will?

* I try to take time and listen. I've learned that inspiration can come from anywhere or anyone, but I have to let myself be open to it and follow my intuition.

* Like love and romance, writing is not for the thin skinned. Rejections hurt, but they can be badges of honor and a way to connect with other writers.

How about you? If you read the Woman's Day article, do any of the seven life lessons apply to your writing?

Humorous Headlines from Women's Day Magazine

I could use a laugh today. How about you?

Writing is not an easy job, and working on deadline can cause writers to make mistakes on copy or accidentally create something funny, like these ten hilarious newspaper headlines on the Women's Day Magazine website.

My favorites are: "Missippi's literacy program shows improvement," "Students cook and serve grandparents," and "Get 50% off or half price, whichever is less."

Here are my questions:

Which of the ten are your favorites?

Do you have any headlines to share that have made you laugh out loud?

Have you ever accidentally written anything with a humorous double meaning?

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

This article in Woman's Day about unusual jobs got me thinking. I'll pass on being an odor tester or a professional whistler, but two jobs in the article caught my attention. How cool would it be to be a furniture tester (sometimes I just want to take a nap) or a wine taster?

But one job made me bristle--writing fake reviews. As someone who freelances by writing book reviews and who tries to be fair and honest but not mean in my reviews, knowing that some people (I won't call them writers) get paid to lie in print about the quality of hotels, restaurants, etc. to hike ratings makes me want to scream. Writing fake reviews is just wrong!

Now that I've gotten that out of my system, here's my question: What's the weirdest job you've ever had? If you've never had a weird job, what's the most fun job you've ever had?

One fun job I had as a teenager was working in the candy department at Sears. It was a yummy job until the day a professional crook short changed me out of $20. The man went through the store gyping cashiers. I fell for it, but then realized what happened and told my supervisor, who called the police. It was also at Sears that I was introduced to unusual candy requests. One I remember was being asked to mix redskin peanuts and jelly beans. After I tried it, I discovered it actually tasted good.

So, how about you? Any unusual jobs or job-related experiences you want to share?

A Question from Woman's Day Magazine

Today in St. Peters, MO: Chance for rain and snow, high 41 degrees.

As part of the Woman's Day Reader Network, I receive e-mails occasionally asking me to participate in surveys. In their latest e-mail, they asked: How would you spend $5?

If they use my answer, I could be quoted in an upcoming issue of Woman's Day. To participate, I need to e-mail my name, city, state, email address and answer to wdarticles@gmail.com?subject=Spend. with "Spend $5" in the subject line. I believe others may participate as well, so you might want to check it out.

How would I spend $5? On a discount paperback novel and a tai chi latte.

Woman's Day Book Giveaway Contest - Nantucket Island

(Image from Women's Day website)

Today's forecast for St. Peters, MO: Isolated showers, high 60 degrees.

Yesterday's visit with George Singleton was informative and so much fun. I hope you all are inspired to write--and to run out and buy one of George's books.

Over the weekend I found out that in July we will be traveling to Massachusetts for a Volkenannt/McMullan family reunion. Walt, Julie, Walter Erik, and I lived in Massachusetts in the early 70s. Erik was born in Holyoke, MA, in 1972, so it will be a bittersweet journey for us. Last night I told Cari and Michael about the trip. They are not looking forward to the long car ride, but they are looking forward to visiting with the McMullan clan and are excited to see the ocean again. I hope to get to Cape Cod, where Walt and I spent our honeymoon.

So, what does a trip to Massachusetts have to do with Donna's Book Pub? How about a chance to win a free book? Woman's Day magazine is sponsoring a contest to give away five copies of Nantucket: Island Living, published by Harry N. Abrams Books. Approx. retail value: $40. I've already put my name in the hat to win a copy, and I've got my fingers crossed. If you want a chance to win a copy of the book, here's the link:

http://www.womansday.com/Giveaways/Nantucket-Island-Living-Book-Giveaway?cid=5385

Tomorrow I will announce the winner of Dianna and Don Graveman's book about St. Charles. Stay tuned!

Woman's Day Giveaway - Secrets of the Tudor Court by Kate Emerson

(Cover from Woman's Day magazine contest website)

Today's forecast for St. Peters, MO: Partly cloudy, high 45 degrees, chance of flurries tonight.

I enjoy studying book covers. Don't you just love this one? The colors of the dress are so rich and elegant, and only the bottom half is shown. Notice the word Secrets is in script and the words Pleasure Palace are printed in large, bold letters? Lots of thought went in to creating this cover. Definitely makes me want to read the book.

If you're on a limited budget, you might get lucky and win a copy. Woman's Day magazine has teamed up with publisher Simon and Schuster to give away 30 copies of Secrets of the Tudor Court: The Pleasure Palace by Kate Emerson.

Here's a description from the Woman's Day contest website: "Rich with romance, intrigue and 15th-century historical detail, the novel features characters straight out of history—including Jane herself—set against an authentic background. "

No purchase necessary to enter the contest. Entry period: Tuesday February 03 2009 - Friday April 03 2009. Click on this link or the link above to enter. Good luck!

If you're a lucky winner, please let me know how you liked the book.

Friday Freebie - Woman's Day Magazine's 2009 Swarovski Go Red for Women Necklace

(Image from Woman's Day magazine)

Today's forecast for St. Peters, MO: Mostly cloudy, high 51 degrees, chance for rain or snow this evening.

In honor of February being healthy heart month, Woman's Day magazine has teamed up with the folks at Swarovski crystal to join the fight against heart disease. Beginning on Feb. 10 at NOON, you can enter for a chance to win this necklace from Swarovski's 2009 Go Red for Women collection. One necklace will be awarded to each of 25 lucky winners. This year, Swarovski is donating $150,000 of the proceeds from the collection to the American Heart Association. Winners should wear this necklace as a reminder to all women of how important it is for them to be aware of their heart disease risk factors. To see the rest of the collection, go to http://www.swarovski.com/

Hope everyone has a Happy St. Valentine's Day tomorrow.

See you on Monday!

Woman's Day - Most Romantic Husband Contest

(Image from Woman's Day Most Romantic Husband Contest website)

Mostly sunny, high 25 degrees, but it's 10 degrees outside now. Yesterday the heater went out on the van, so driving was coooooold. The heater has been fixed, and in this case it's thank goodness for extended warranties.

Here's a contest to heat things up. Woman's Day magazine is sponsoring a "Most Romantic Husband Contest." What's the sweetest thing he's done for you? Tell them in 100 words or fewer.

The contest began at noon on January 27, 2009, and ends at noon on February 24, 2009. They want all submissions—whether in the form of a poem, a love note or a story from memory—sent to featureme@hfmus.com. (Photos optional!) The winning entry will be featured on their website by Tuesday March 3, 2009.

For more details, check out their link above.
Bonne chance!