Independent bookstores have a hard time staying open when the economy is good, but an even harder time when things are tough. The latest casualty is Blue Moon in Spruce Pine. We've held our monthly meetings here for years. The building used to be a pharmacy complete with soda fountain I'm told, and it has such great historic charm. Hopefully it won't stay empty for long. (There's even talk of someone else wanting to try their hand at the bookstore thing, with maybe art classes and such as well.)
This is my friend Sharon Huskey. She bought the bookstore (building is rented) a few years ago and has been a downtown fixture ever since. She held on as long as she could, but it just wasn't meant to be. But Sharon has come out the other side with a bushel of friends at her side and a strength only a woman, especially a red-headed woman, can have. ;-)
Returning to print after a four year hiatus is XENITH. This magazine accepts many forms of writing, not just fiction. Pieces can be as short as you want, but should not be any longer than 8,000 words. Response time is usually one to two months, which isn't too bad actually. You can get more information on their submission page.
Epiphany only publishes two print and two online issues a year, but it could be worth checking out. Mind you, their response time is five months at least, so there is a bit of a wait. They are currently so flooded with submissions they are holding off accepting any more until May, but it wouldn't hurt to take the time to familiarize yourself with the magazine.
I think this description of Pank speaks for itself: "PANK comes from the end of the road, the edge of things, a north shore, up country, a place of amalgamation, and unplumbed depths, where things are made and unmade, and unimagined futures are born. PANK is a ghost town around the next bend. It is hidden in caves in the withered hills. It is buried under impassable drifts of snow. An Ultima Thule, PANK – no soft pink hands here. It bears old scars, fresh scabs, callous, blood, and dirt. It is serene melancholy, spiritual longing, quirk, and anomaly. PANK inhabits its contradictions." It only publishes one print issue a year, but it's online monthly. Take a look at their submission guidelines for more info.
Today we're celebrating the birthday of group member Walter Rein.HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WALTER!
Dr. Seuss was born 105 years ago today. And what better way to celebrate than to give a pat on the back to a group member whose children's book, in my humble opinion, is a work of art along the lines of anything Seuss did?
Walter Rein was informed by his publisher (Grateful Steps) that Barnes & Noble will be carrying his book The Purple Rain in Zanzibar in their stores nationwide. This is wonderful news and we are very proud of both Walter and illustrator Jack Ferrell.
CONGRATULATIONS!
The Mayland Writers' Group salutes the legendary broadcaster Paul Harvey who passed away today at the age of 90. He will be greatly missed.
Today we'd like to wish a very happy birthday to group member Taylor Reese.
Taylor has coauthored (with Jack Pyle) books on using the almanac and moon signs for planting and life in general: Raising with the Moon and You and the Man in the Moon. (You can check out their website at http://pylereesebooks.tripod.com/.)
Congratulations are in order for group member Suzan Tanner McCoury. Her children's novel The Crystal Swan was recently published by Grateful Steps Publishing. The description on the publisher's website reads:
Author and group member Chrissy K. McVay recently entered The Movie Deal screenplay contest (http://www.themoviedeal.com/). Her screenplay Souls of the North Wind, based upon her novel of the same name, was named among the top ten in the action/adventure category. And her screenplay Only Eagles Know My Name received an honorable mention.
Group member Walter Rein recently received much deserved recognition for his book The Purple Rain in Zanzibar. It was chosen to receive the Silver Mom's Choice award for a Children's Picture Book in the Bedtime Stories category. (The entire list can be viewed here: http://www.momschoiceawards.com/celebrate09.php.)
This brings us to our writing prompt. Your assignment, if you choose to accept, is to watch the inauguration and write about it. If you're upset that Obama won, write about it. If you're happy, write about it. You can write a poem, a short story, an essay...anything. Just take this time to reflect on history in the making and write, write, write.
Walter and Janell again hosted out little get-together. He read for us, and we were lucky enough to hear his wit put to good use when they received a sales call that evening. I'm betting they won't be dialing his phone number again. :-)
Members John Pierce, Taylor Reese and Jack Pyle listen on. John's hard at work on his first novel and Taylor & Jack are veteran authors who always have great advice for the rest of us. (http://pylereesebooks.tripod.com/)
Our Christmas party was also a "Bon Voyage" gathering for group member Alessa Leming who is in the process of moving to Virginia. She did make our regular meeting on December 29, but we knew more members would be able to make the Christmas party. I put together some photos of her and had them put on a cake. Turned out pretty well for the most part. (The photo in the lower right ended up kind of washed out, ghostlike. Alessa as Casper?)
I do hate photos of myself, but since I've done this to other members of the group, it's only fair I post mine here as well. I'm 39 today, and like Jack Benny, I may just stay 39 for the rest of my life. :-)
(Is this the kitchen after Thanksgiving dinner maybe?)
(No matter how small the home, you can still show your Christmas spirit.)
The Mayland Writers' Group would like to wish everyone, everywhere a very happy Thanksgiving. May your day be filled with love, laughter and peace.
This was my yard on the morning of Friday, November 21. I think we got about 3 inches of snow that day, and how beautiful it was. 
As much as I love snow, I think my neighbor's cat Tango is ready for it to be gone. Too bad they're calling for more tomorrow into Wednesday.
Four generations come together for this photo: Gera, Isabela, granddaughter Ashley and daughter Danielle. Definitely a great birthday.
That second photo has been one of my favorites since I first saw it when I was a kid. I've always wanted to have a poster of it made and hung up in my writing room. (When I get a writing room set up that is.)
Today is group member Kate Groff's birthday. I tried to get a more recent photo of her for the blog, but wasn't able to. So, I just grabbed some that were already "out there." (So there Kate.) :-) She has a great looking family, doesn't she.
Kate also works with the Toe River Arts Council (TRAC) helping promote the artwork of many local/regional artists. I love her sense of humor and straight-forwardness, and I'm glad she is a member of our little group.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE!
The Gazzybow GooseAfter some prodding by his wife Janell and various friends, Walter finally decided to try and get this fairytale published. He got together with friend and neighbor Jack Ferrell, an award-winning artist, and the book finally came together. Grateful Steps Publishing in Asheville, NC saw the potential and immediately snatched up the book and began the long process that is publishing.
Pick up those pens and let's see where this goes.
Who left the broom? Who left the door open? What is happening in the dim interior? What will happen outside in the light?
Pick up that pen, pencil or computer and get writing.
One more August birthday. Today it's group member Janell Rein. (That's her with her husband, author Walter Rein.) Janell isn't a writer, but I'm betting she could be. She comes to our little group with her husband and has become a very integral member. She is always ready to give wonderful critiques and is very supportive of all our writers, not to mention that she is one of the strongest women I have ever met.
Chrissy is the author of the novel Souls of the North Wind as well as numerous essays and short stories. You can check out her work and latest info at http://www.authorsden.com/chrissykmcvay and http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/A1I7QGUDP043DG/ref=cm_blog_blog.
