HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms in our group and those who read our blog.

Quotes

I love quotes. Many writers do. We collect them like knick-knacks, setting them up on "shelves" to be brought down and used later as a jumping off point for our writing. We get ideas just from looking at them, observing them, letting them roll off our tongues. These ideas sometimes take seed and grow into full-fledged stories, essays or poems. You just never know where a simple quote is going to take you, and you never know when you will hear such a quote. I've pulled my little notebook from my purse in dark theaters just so I can write down something I just heard in the movie, something I felt I may be able to use later.

Today, I am going to share a few of my favorite quotes and where I first heard them. Maybe they can inspire your own creativity.


"[R]emember, no matter where you go, there you are."
-Buckaroo Banzai (The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension)

"You see, madness, as you know, is like gravity. All it takes is a little push."
-The Joker (The Dark Knight)

"The shrinks diagnosed me as a sociopath with paranoid delusions. But they were just out to get me because I threatened to kill them."
-From the TV show Heroes: don't remember the character's name

"There's a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line."
-Oscar Lavant

"A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin."
-H. L. Mencken


Take those and run with them.....

Happy Birthday Shirley Phillips

Today we say happy birthday to group member Shirley Phillips.

Shirley is not only a writer of great stories inspired by her childhood, she is also an artist. She hasn't been able to come to as many of the meetings lately as we'd like, but she is still a much loved and very valuable member of the group.

We look forward to her next visit.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHIRLEY!

Happy Birthday Susan Picciotto

Today we are wishing a happy birthday to an absent member, Susan Picciotto. Haven't seen her in a while, but she's still a part of the group.

Susan writes some great essays, and we hope to hear from her again soon.

Where ever you are....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUSAN!

Blue Moon Bookstore

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. ;-)


Judith Smith, a member of my writers' group, organized a pot luck at the store on Tuesday evening, the last day of business. Lots of people came to offer Sharon support and she really seemed to be enjoying the company. Great people hang out at bookstores.

Literary Magazines

Here are some literary magazines that are accepting submissions. We're highlighting those that take electronic submissions although some of them also accept snail mail manuscripts if you prefer. Check out their websites for more information.

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.

12½ Writing Rules

I saw this poster online and thought it would be perfect to post on our blog.




Now go write something.

Happy Birthday Walter Rein

Today we're celebrating the birthday of group member Walter Rein.

Besides being a continuous contributor to our little group, Walter has published two books: Wonderful Wawa's Words of Wisdom (which can be found on Amazon.com) and The Purple Rain in Zanzibar, his children's book which besides being carried by the publisher and Amazon, will soon appear nationwide on the shelves at Barnes & Noble.

I'm sure Walter is spending his birthday today with his wonderful wife, Janell, another person we all adore.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WALTER!

The Purple Rain in Barnes & Noble

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!

Paul Harvey: 1918 - 2009

The Mayland Writers' Group salutes the legendary broadcaster Paul Harvey who passed away today at the age of 90. He will be greatly missed.

Happy Birthday Taylor Reese

Today we'd like to wish a very happy birthday to group member Taylor Reese.

Taylor has written several books of humor including Humor is Where You Find It and Humor and a Whole Lot More, a collection of poetry titled A Glimpse at Life and two volumes (so far) of his memoirs.

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/.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAYLOR!

Congratulations Suzan McCoury

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:

"No one would suspect that a mysterious adventure could start in a nursing home, but that is precisely what happened to thirteen-year old Leah Ward. Leah wanted to spend time with her friends. The last thing on her mind that fateful day was to go with her mother on a visit to Shady Springs rest home. A reluctant teenager went with her mother and was given an object that would change the way she saw the world forever.
The Crystal Swan is a little bit mystery and a little bit adventure. It follows the story of a thirteen-year old girl who receives an unusual gift. The gift changes the course of the end of one school year through the beginning of another. Follow along with Leah and discover the mystery of, The Crystal Swan."

This is Suzan's second book and can be purchased at the publisher's website, on Amazon.com or through your local bookstore. Her first novel, the self-published The Most Unusual Adventures of Black Shadow Smokey and The Blue Streak, can be found on Amazon.com or through your local bookstore.

Besides being a member of our little group, Suzan belongs to The Society of Children's Book Writers and The Appalachian Author's Guild. We look forward to her future works.

Congratulations, Suzan.

2009 Writing Prompts II

Time for some new writing prompts. I have searched the 'net and here's what I've found for us today.

1) What was the first CD (or record or cassette) you ever purchased? Write about the way that particular album made you feel then. Write about how it makes you feel now.

2) What's your number one pet peeve? Develop a punishment for anyone caught in the act.

3) Who had the stronger influence on you? Write about a person who made you feel like a writer compared to someone who didn't.

There ya' go...three to choose from. Take one, two or take them all and run with it.

Congratulations Chrissy McVay

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.

We are very proud of Chrissy and look forward to the day when we can go to the theater to see a movie based on one of her screenplays. (It will happen.)

Chrissy's novel, Souls of the North Wind, can be found at Amazon (www.amazon.com). Check it out.

Congratulations Chrissy.

Walter Rein Wins Book Award

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.)


The judges for this award include the creators of Reading Rainbow and the Baby Einstein Series.


This is a great honor and we are proud of Walter and the book's illustrator, Jack Farrell.

Congratulations guys!

First Writing Prompt for 2009

It's time for a new writing prompt for the new year. And what a year this is going to be. History was made last November when we elected the first African-American to the highest job in the land. And history continues this coming Tuesday, January 20th, as Barack Obama takes the oath of office in Washington, D.C.



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.

December Happenings

Many of my photos from our Christmas party on December 8th were too blurry to use. Seems I still need practice with my camera.

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?)

On December 29th we had our usual monthly meeting and had a pretty good turn-out considering the holiday time of year. Seven members shared poetry, prose, advice and coffee. It was a good meeting.

But then, they usually are.

Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday

May your holiday be a bright one.

Last Birthday of the Year

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. :-)

For the record, besides "running" our little group, I write poetry, essays, short stories and (hopefully) a novel. I also knit, read like crazy and recently started my own pet sitting business.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN!

:-)

Miscellaneous Prompts

Here are some random photo prompts I found on the internet. Have a look and run with it....

(Is this the kitchen after Thanksgiving dinner maybe?)

(No matter how small the home, you can still show your Christmas spirit.)

Happy Thanksgiving

The Mayland Writers' Group would like to wish everyone, everywhere a very happy Thanksgiving. May your day be filled with love, laughter and peace.

Thanksgiving

The year has turned its circle,

The seasons come and go.

The harvest all is gathered in

And chilly north winds blow.

Orchards have shared their treasures,

The fields, their yellow grain,

So open wide the doorway,

Thanksgiving comes again!

~Old Rhyme

Weather Stuff

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.

I think a weather related writing prompt is called for today. How about a story, poem, essay or whatever about...well...snow. (Give me a break. What do you want at 4am?) :0)

Really, you can do a lot with snow. Not that it hasn't been written about incessantly already, but there's always more to write.

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.

Birthday Wishes VI

Today we wish a very happy birthday to group member Gera Girard.



Gera, an artist and writer, spent her birthday in a most wonderful way...with her new great-granddaughter Isabela. She was born on Tuesday night, just missing sharing a birthday with her great-grandmother.



Four generations come together for this photo: Gera, Isabela, granddaughter Ashley and daughter Danielle. Definitely a great birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GERA!

Halloween Writing Prompts

Tomorrow is Halloween, one of my favorite holidays. (Well, is it really a holiday? HMM.) Any way, this is a good time to harness our inner scaredy cat. Today's prompts are all in the spirit (pun not intended, I swear) of Halloween.


First, a picture prompt...or two.

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.)

OK, time for some non-photo prompts.



*Pretend that you are a jack-o-lantern. Describe Halloween from a jack-o-lantern's point of view.

*Write a Halloween acrostic using one of these words: ghost, monster, mummy, skeleton, vampire, witch. (For those new to this {I had to look it up myself.} , write a poem where each line begins with a letter in the chosen word.)

Well, that should be plenty to get you started. Happy Writing.

Birthday Wishes V

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 is one of those multi-talented individuals. She is not only a writer but an artist as well, working in several mediums. Some of her work, as well as purchase information, can be found at www.katework.com.

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 Purple Rain in Zanzibar

The Gazzybow Goose
With bowlegged wings
Was singing the way
The Gazzybow sings.
©2008

So begins the new book by Walter Rein, The Purple Rain in Zanzibar. This book is a wonderful read...along the lines of Dr. Seuss. Walter wrote this story back in 1968, and after 40 years, it still sounds fresh, new and fun.

After 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.

Walter's book is finally out there, and would make a great Christmas gift for anyone with children. (Check your local bookstore, Amazon.com or the publisher's site.)

We are very proud of Walter and this book. It is bound to become a classic.

Photo Prompt

I saw this photo while doing research for a PowerPoint presentation I am putting together for a class and thought it would be a great photo prompt for the group.

Pick up those pens and let's see where this goes.

Writing Exercise

Time for some writing exercises. I surfed the net and found this site: http://www.meredithsuewillis.com/writingexercises.html and this exercise.

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.

Birthday Wishes IV

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.

Personally, I have to say that Janell is one of my favorite people. She is so nice and has often been there to give me support and reassurances as "leader" of this group. And I know she is very supportive of Walter, as he is with her. They have been married 51 years now, and they are so perfect, so RIGHT together. If my husband and I have half the love they obviously have for each other, we are off to a great start.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANELL!!

Just Stuff

Today, I decided to post some "stuff" that I found interesting or funny. Enjoy.

Check out this story about a 93-year-old woman who just had her first novel published: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/aug/11/1/print