The recent publication of the three-volume short story anthologies from the One Million Project was the culmination of over a year and a half of work and coordination of over one hundred writers, editors and publishing professionals. Each week, I will highlight each of the anthologies to give readers a taste of how fabulous these books […]
via One Million Project Thriller Anthology — theonemillionproject
Jalopy is kind of an old-fashioned word. I just bought a twenty-one year old Jeep Wrangler. I have fondly dubbed her “My Jeeplopy”. I had a choice to pick out a newer model or a brand-new vehicle, but there was something about buying it out-right that appealed to my penny-pinching side.
I know many women who would look at the tattered and stained seats, dents and missing parts and say, “No way am I going to be caught in THAT piece of crap!” But, I could see the beauty in her. A little cleaning and a few additions would have her looking respectable. The engine looked good, and it started right up.
I felt like a teenager with their first car when I drove to the car wash and washed and waxed the Wrangler. I pictured driving with the top off during the summer with the wind blowing through my dark — wait, a second — my silver tresses as I drive along the Great River Road.
Boxes of new accessories for my baby are delivered almost daily as I give her some tender loving care. No worries, though, I tend to stick to desert camo and black accessories and avoid the pink and teal components. I’ll save the bright colors for my Jeep-themed t-shirts and caps.
I’ve also received feedback from a fan (you know who you are!) that I can never get rid of “Clare’s Jeep”. Trust me, I won’t, at least not for a very long time.
Hey, y’all, I’ll be live on March 3rd from 10:00 am until 11:00 am Central Time during the Book Launch event. I’ll be sharing a bit about me and my writing, answering questions and giving away prizes!
I’d love to get to know you all better and share this wonderful project. 
https://www.facebook.com/events/2014005382200298/?event_time_id=2014005392200297?ti=icl
The following excerpt is from one of my WIP (Works in Progress) — Not Mama’s Little Girl, Anymore! The main character, Natalie, is describing how she approaches love.
The easiest way to describe my point of view about love is that I’m the human version of a Labrador Retriever. I love to eat, play hard, and have a need to get down and dirty in the mud. When I love someone, I live for the time when I’ll see them again, when I’ll hear their voice, and when I can cuddle up beside them–or better yet—sit on their lap. My big soulful eyes reflect your pain or sparkle with your happiness. My heart belongs to only one.
I’m different than the French poodle type of gal. She primps and postures for the masses looking for her next trophy. She’s all curly hair and pink bows but her facade is only window dressing and a bit of mud will destroy the illusion.
(This is not a put-down of poodles of any kind or the French. I love them both, but an analogy of how different women can be from their counterparts.)
How did the One Million Project come about? Learn more about the brain child of UK author Jason Greenfield and his motivations for initiating what has become a world-wide cause for almost two hundred writers, artists, musicians and media persons across the globe.
OMP author Seb Jenkins’ article
This project is near and dear to my heart. My short story — Not Mama’s Little Girl — is in the Fiction anthology in case you want to check it out!
I am so proud to be associated with such a generous and talented group of individuals. I’m pre-ordering my copies now at a special price on Amazon.com. Follow the links in the blog to get your copies, too.
Over a year ago, UK author Jason Greenfield decided to enlist his writer friends to join him in a literary effort to raise money for charity through the publication of a collection of short stories. Over the months since that initial internet message to his fellow writers, a thirty-member cadre of writers from a variety […]
via Short Stories for Charity from Around the Globe — One Million Project — theonemillionproject
There is something so comforting about putting a pen to paper and allowing the words to spill out onto the page. I’m reminded of a scene in the movie, Becoming Jane, about Jane Austen. In one scene, Jane is feverishly writing and scratching out her latest literary creation with ink-stained fingers. You could feel her passion for her work flowing from her fingertips onto the page.
John Nedwill writes in his blog about his process of writing. Hope you enjoy!
via Blog Posts
The title of this blog is misleading in the sense that everyone deals with heartbreak in different ways. In my blog post yesterday, I wrote about my protagonist, Clare Thibodeaux’s efforts to move on with her life after dealing with the anguish caused by her husband’s absence. She used training for the Birkebeiner cross-country ski race to focus her energies and emotions.
I used work in the past to distract me, but retired from nursing now, I deal with my emotional distress by exercising and cleaning the house. Unfortunately, when I feel overwhelmed by something in my life, I also suffer from writer’s block. Not helpful when you are writing a book.
People will tell you, “Time heals all ills,” and I believe with time the pain of heartbreak is muted, but it doesn’t disappear. The heartbreak and the way you deal with it are a part of who you become in the aftermath. Some people will be wary of romance while others will throw themselves into relationship after relationship in an attempt to forget.
It is important to not let someone else’s choice define you. Negativity about yourself will only bring issues into any future relationships. It can result in self-destructive behaviors — substance abuse, overeating and other actions which only increase self-deprecation and depression.
I find if I can focus on the goals I have for my life and re-invest myself in the efforts to achieve them, I begin to take control of my future. Don’t let heartbreak define who you are or who you will become. Yes, it is a piece of your overall psyche, but it’s only a small part of the whole.
Find yourself, love yourself, allow yourself to grieve, and then, move on to the adventure that is your life.
My chill time revolves around writing. Feet up, cup of tea (hot or cold) depending on the season, and music playing in the background are all necessary components of a chill time without the day-to-day distractions which destroy creativity. I’m lucky to have my days to myself. I couldn’t write when my kids were young. Two rough and tumble boys around the house kept me on my toes, and my creative impulses were focused on keeping them out of mischief.
Yesterday was sunny and warm compared to the -15 to -30 degree days we experienced in the couple prior weeks. I headed out to walk along the river to stretch my legs and refresh my soul. It was perfect but even with my head to toe Un
derArmour on, after an hour, it was time to call it quits.
Today is cloudy and gray. Still fairly warm and my feet are ready to hit the pavement again, but first things first. I pulled out my laptop and began writing on my current WIP. Thank God, I found my voice at least for today. It’s been a struggle for weeks now. The blank screen taunting me.
I guess I needed some sunshine and chill time. I’ll listen to Christopher Cross’ “Sailing” and “Ride Like the Wind” as I sip my tea and dream about another place.
Have a great day!
Saying goodbye to someone is hard, and watching someone you care about telling a loved one goodbye is harder still. In the past, I’ve cried my tears over love lost, friends left behind, and family members who have left this world. Dealing with my pain is easier to bear than witnessing the people I love and care about suffering.
Who wouldn’t want to erase the sadness in the eyes of a sibling whose marriage has fallen apart? Or mend the broken heart of your child when they are feeling the sting of rejection? How best to comfort a childhood friend whose parent has fought against the ravages of illness and age, but lost the battle?
I’d gladly take on their suffering for them if only to see their smile again. But I know I can’t. I can only be present for them during this time. Ready to offer a hug, get them a cup of tea or sit in quiet companionship as their tears wash the sorrows away.
I am not new to this vigil. As a nurse, I’ve held the hands of dying patients and have spoken softly to them while I strived to make them comfortable in those last hours. I’ve hugged family members seeking solace from another human being when their loved one has passed. I am powerless to do anything in these circumstances except to give them the comfort of having someone there to bear witness and share in their grief.
Our power lies in our silent presence, in a caring touch and a gentle word for those who are suffering loss. We gain strength from knowing we are not alone in our depth of feeling, and it is in understanding that what we are enduring is a necessary part of our collective human experience. The statement — “I’m here for you if you need me” — is a proclamation of our shared humanity.
Kate McGinn - Storyteller 