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.