High School Reunion

Last night, my husband went to his high school reunion. People in town who were in his graduating class have been trying to get him to attend for years, but this is the first year we actually did. I discovered that some of other people I have known in town for years were in his class, and that surprised me.

Most of his classmates have long since left town. I think he enjoyed the chit chat with people he had not seen in a long time, most of whom I had never known since I did not grow up here. There was a copy of an annual, or a yearbook, or whatever your particular school calls it, and we enjoyed looking through that. Some of the people in the book were easily recognizable at the event, others had changed significantly. Many folks came over and spoke to my husband, shook his hand, chatted for a moment, and moved on.

We enjoyed the dinner, but when the band started to play in a room much too small for music much too loud, we decided to leave. People had formed their own little groups by then, the others who sat at our table during dinner had left, and the dance had started. We are not dancers, so we made our exit with a few good-byes.

After we got home, I asked my husband about his recollections of some of the people we had talked to. Was this one a bully in school? Was that one a snob? This lady is still as beautiful today as she was in school, that gentleman is still handsome. He gave me a little bit of background on personalities and relationships of many years ago.

The evening set me to thinking about my own high school reunion. I've never been to one of them, don't even know if my class ever had one, for that matter. I moved far away from home and can't think of one person from my class that I keep in touch with. Only a couple of people from my graduating class probably even know I moved to Colorado, and I'd bet few of them care one way or another.

I was never popular in school. I was the lonely kid who was always picked last for team sports, the one everybody made fun of because I didn't own the "in" clothes and hang with the "in crowd". I spent most of my high school years buried in my school books and went to the library after classes so all the other kids would be gone by the time I was ready to walk home. I guess I was kind of a geek who never attended athletic activities, played in the school band from the time I was in first grade (I don't know if they even have those opportunities in grade school anymore), but never got very good at the instrument I played, which was the clarinet, made decent grades but never outstanding.

The short and long of it is that I don't miss my high school days. If there is ever a time in my life that I want to "go back to", that period of my life certainly isn't it! I have good memories of family events, but I never felt any real bond to my high school graduating class. So, if there were a reunion, I doubt I would go. There are a couple of people I'd enjoy to hear from again, find out what they have done with their life and where they are now. Other than that, I've never had much inclination to look up former high school classmates.

My nursing school class is a different story. We were a small class, and I would love to see many of them again. Many it is because we shared the bond of a future nursing career, we struggled and fought to keep our grades up to achieve a common goal.

I had the opportunity to meet up with two of my former nursing school classmates when I visited family in New York last year. It was such fun to see those girls! A nursing school reunion is being planned for 2012, which will be our 40th, and I definitely plan to be there.

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Review of The Glassblower by Laurie Alice Eakes

How does Meg Jordan tell her father that the man he has chosen for her to marry is out to hurt her? Young Meg adores her father, but balks at his choice of a husband for her, the affluent and arrogant Joseph Pyle. Her future mate is determined to dictate all aspects of Meg’s future. Meg wants to teach school, but one strange incident of vandalism after another prevents the completion of a schoolhouse.

She struggles to hide her growing attraction to Colin Grassick, the new glassblower who arrives to work for her father’s glassworks. He captures her heart with his warm, considerate ways and his competent assistance, from helping her rescue a kitten in danger to fashioning new windows for the school.

In The Glassblower, Laurie Alice Eakes immerses her readers in the daily life of early nineteenth century New Jersey. There, she introduces characters bound by moral constraints that prevent two people of different social classes from declaring their love and a woman from pursuing the career of her dreams because a future husband disapproves.

The author skillfully weaves a story of romance, intrigue, and faith as she guides her characters down roads of despair, frustration, and, ultimately, triumph.

Conference memories

Last week, I attended my seventh Colorado Christian Writers Conference. Each year, I make contact with incredible people and learn so much. This event was even more informative for me because I had the opportunity to see another side of the writing business.

Several months ago, I became the editor to Starsongs Magazine, a publication for young people ages 10-19 and contributed by youth of that same age. This has been a new and rewarding experience for me. This conference, I was asked to sit in with our Written World Communications CEO and mentor with her as she took appointments. Kristine did a great job of teaching me and allowing me to pitch Starsongs to young people who offered work for that particular market.

It was fun to make contact with young writers (I chased down everyone at the conference who looked to be under 20 years old, pitched the magazine, and pressed a business card into their hand) who are dedicated to improving their craft. They are so eager, committed, and excited about writing!

This conference opened some doors for me. I showed some of my own work to several magazine editors who encouraged me and advised me on how to tailor my work to their publications.

I am quite excited to announce that I will be attending the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference in August on faculty to represent Written World Communications. I am grateful to our Written World Communications CEO Kristine, the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference Director, Marlene Bagnull, and of course, to my Heavenly Father for this wonderful opportunity. I look forward to the challenge.

Conference is not always classes and work. There are a lot of fun moments shared with old and new friends. The snow this year was beautiful. The roads never became treacherous for driving, although the icy sidewalks were a bit tricky to negotiate in the late evening .The beauty of the already majestic mountain scenery was enhanced by the snow-capped peaks.

YMCA of the Rockies, where the event is held, has added some new lodges, and this year those of us who stayed in the newly constructed Long's Peak had an elevator! It was a tad bit slow, but sure beat the drudgery of hauling luggage up a couple of flights of stairs! The central meeting room had a fireplace that provided a cozy place to meet in the morning for devotions and a friendly setting for socialization with friends in the evening.

All in all, this conference held so many special moments for me that I will remember it for a long time to come. Hopefully, now that I am retired from my other profession, it will be a jumping off place to a whole new career.

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I Want To Be Published - But I'm Just A Kid!

Before You Submit - Part IV - Sending and Stamping

This post moved to my Kids/Youth Getting Published page.

Come on over and leave a comment! Let me know what you as a young writer would like to know about getting published.

Janice Thompson Blog Tour

Today, it is my pleasure to introduce Janice Thompson. Janice is an author who has several books to her credit, including "Hurricane" about the Galveston hurricane of 1900 and "I Must Decrease", a lighthearted look at weight loss. Her most current titles include "It Had to be You", a contemporary romance, and "Everyday Joy", a collection of short works to brighten your day and lift your spirits. She is branching out into a different aspect of the writing field, and what she has to offer may be just what you as a writer have been looking for!

Janice, could you tell us a little about your new venture?

Of course! Thanks for asking. On April 20th, 2010, I debuted my new writing course “Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer” at www.freelancewritingcourses.com. The sole purpose of this venture is to teach struggling freelance writers how to earn money with their writing. Here’s how it will work: students can purchase one lesson (for $24.95) or all ten (for $199). They don’t have to feel compelled to buy the whole package, though they will get a package price, if they do. Each lesson will include an audio file and a video power point presentation of me teaching the lesson (available with just a click of the mouse), a corresponding audio script, a downloadable worksheet, a bonus feature, and full access to the site’s forum, where I will meet with authors for some group mentoring (at designated times). Right now there are ten lessons, but eventually those ten lessons will become ten separate categories with multiple lessons in each. For example, the current lesson on magazine article writing will eventually have multiple other lessons underneath it—all meant to teach writers how to make money writing articles. People who take these courses will have the benefit of meeting other freelancers in the forum and can also chat with me about their projects. Best of all, the site will continually grow. New, fresh material will always be available. (I’ll be recording new lessons routinely.) I’m so excited, because I know that struggling freelancers can and will learn how to make money with their writing.

What prompted you to set off on this new adventure?

For years I’ve been writing novels and non-fiction books. I’ve been so blessed to have over fifty books published, as well as dozens of magazine articles and even a movie script. It’s been quite a ride. . .and it’s not ending anytime soon! I’m currently contracted through 2011. The longer I’m in this business, however, the more I’m aware of the basic need of the average freelance author to make “better” money. Sure, many of them eventually sell books. They get advances and royalties, (though, not often in the range they had hoped). As a full-time freelancer, I’ve faced this myself. Several years ago, I found myself hollering, “Where’s the money?” I made up my mind to find as many creative ways as I could to bring in money as a freelancer. I’ve learned so much since then, and want to share what I’ve learned with others, so that they can benefit, too.

Why are you so passionate about teaching others how to make money with their writing?

I meet so many struggling writers. So many are just hoping and praying to sell a book. They pour all of their energies into that venture. Most don’t realize that they could be making money much sooner if they would explore other avenues (besides just books). The possibilities are endless. If I can share what I’ve learned about the money-making aspects of writing, then I’ve helped another struggling writer on his or her journey.

You’ve said there’s money to be made. . .but where? What avenues are available to freelancers?

At www.freelancewritingcourses.com, students will explore multiple areas where they can earn money with their writing. Lessons include:

· Setting Career Goals
· Magazine Article Writing
· Write for Hire Work
· Marketing and Public Relations
· Becoming a Public Speaker
· Becoming a Creative Writing Teacher
· Making Money as an Editor
· Writing and Selling the Non-Fiction Book
· Writing and Selling the Novel
· Secrets From the World of the Pros

Each lesson will cover a host of possibilities and will give real, practical suggestions.
You’ve mentioned other lessons that aren’t yet available. Could you share a few here?
Sure! Each of the ten topics listed above will eventually become its own course (with multiple lessons in each). I’ll be heading back into the recording studio soon to cover the topic of magazine articles more thoroughly. I’ll also record lessons covering all aspects of fiction writing. We’ll talk about passive vs. active writing, plotting, characterization, and much more. I’ve also got a host of lessons coming up related to non-fiction books. We’ll delve into specific topics related to write-for-hire work (my favorite!) and will share a host of lessons on marketing and PR. Hang on for the ride! Participants in these various courses will get the tools they need to work as a pro in the industry.

How, exactly, will these courses work?

When participants sign up and pay, they will be granted access to the “inner sanctum” of the site, where they can view the various components of the lessons, (the audio file, audio script, worksheet, power point and forum). I would suggest folks start with the first lesson (Setting Goals) and go from there. They can print up a copy of the worksheet and follow along with the audio and power point presentation. Then, at a designated time, participants can meet with me in the forum to discuss the topic at hand. I love the fact that this is all so user-friendly and participants can work at their own pace.

If you could tell beginning freelancers one thing, what would it be?

Don’t give up. Keep going and keep looking for creative ways to make money. Examine new markets. Learn all you can about the industry. Become friends with editors. The potential for money-making is there, but much of it is relational.

Janice, where else can people find you on the web?

My freelance writing courses site: http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com
My book-related website: www.janiceathompson
My blog: http://janicehannathompson.blogspot.com/
My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson?ref=profile
My facebook reader’s page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Janice-Hanna-Thompsons-Readers-Page/303537684650?ref=ts

Thank you so much, Janice, for a great interview. I hope you are richly blessed in this new venture.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Review of Liberty's Promise by Amber Miller Stockton

This three-in-one collection captures the flavor of our American heritage. Set in the 1700's, it follows the lives of three generations of women during an era when a woman had little right to express an opinion about the political issues of the times.

The first story, Promises, Promises, takes place in 1739 and features Raelene who, left alone after her parents' tragic death, struggles to trust God again. She resents Gustav, the man her father assigned to help her, fearful that his assistance is offered out of obligation rather than love. Raelene seeks a marriage partner to satisfy the terms of her father's will. Only after she sets her pride aside does Raelene truly learn of God's plan for her life.

Next is Quills and Promises, with Raelene's daughter, Elanna, as the heroine. She is attracted to a Major during the French and Indian War. While he is away fighting, Elanna prays for his safety and awaits his letters. Her feelings for him are tested when she hears disturbing reports of possible unethical behavior on his part.

Deceptive Promises completes the collection. Elanna's daughter, Margaret, is attracted to a British soldier during America's fight for independence. The question of which side he is on is in question as the colonies rebel, and Margaret finds herself wondering whether his declaration of love is trustworthy or deceptive.

The author presents strong, goal-directed characters whose stories take the reader on a journey through some of the most dangerous and tumultuous times in American history. The presentation of historical facts adds depth and substance to theses three novels.

If you enjoy realistic American history fiction, you will love Liberty's Promise.

Thanks for reading my blog.

I Want To Be Published - But I'm Just A Kid!

Before You Submit - Part III - Do Your Homework

This post moved to my Kids/Youth Getting Published page.

Come on over and leave a comment! Let me know what you as a young writer would like to know about getting published.

A Slice of Local History

This week-end took us back into the past in our small Colorado town. On Friday, we celebrated our annual Santa Fe Trail Day. It honors the historic Santa Fe Trail, which runs through our town. This event is the longest event sponsored by a high school student council in the country. Students begin planning for the celebration, which always occurs on the last Friday in April, as soon as they return to school in August.

A parade features an array of horses, horse-drawn wagons, old cars, and folks dressed in costumes of the late 1800's to early 1900's. Floats from local businesses and organizations also participate. The floats entered by the four high school grades, freshmen through seniors, is only one facet of the fierce competition that takes place throughout the day. Each class nominates a Santa Fe Trail Day queen candidate, who appears in the parade in great splendor, adorned in a costume of the time period they represent. The ladies are transported along the parade route in a horse-drawn carriage. Prior to the parade, the candidates must answer questions from a panel of judges about the time period and historic person they symbolize.

Other entertaining rivalry includes a square dancing event and costume competition. After the parade and before the square dancing begins, vendors on the sidewalks offer crafts, T-shirts, and other wares for sale, along with a selection of foods from Asian to Mexican to the all American hamburger and hot dog fare.

The fire department holds a Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, where plates are heaped with delicious food. The profits from the meal go to this all-deserving volunteer fire department. This year, ribs were served instead of fried chicken for those who don't care for the oysters. I enjoy ribs, but can't turn down those Rocky Mountain oysters whenever they are available. Try them if you get the chance. Just don't ask what they are if you don't know - until after you've eaten them!

Our Chamber of Commerce brought a bluegrass band to town for a live concert. The members of Fireweed, in addition to providing good music, had a sense of humor and elicited some laughs from the audience.

This year, in addition to Santa Fe Trail Day, the week-end was special with the dedication of our county courthouse on Saturday following the completion of renovations. The courthouse was constructed back in the 1880's. Today, several hundred citizens of Bent County and visitors from out of town gathered on the courthouse lawn to listen to speeches by local and state officials and enjoy a delicious barbecue. Many of us took a self-guided tour throughout the building and up into the new tower. I've always loved heights, and it was fun to look over our little town.














Our house is out there in the midst of those trees!





Here is a bird's eye view of our little town.

If there are any Gunsmoke fans out there, you may be interested to know that the brick building in the foreground (picture on the right) is the old jail where Gunsmoke's Festus, Ken Curtis, served meals that his mom prepared for the prisoners when he was a boy. His dad, Dan Gates, served as the Sheriff of Bent County. Ken's real name was Curtis Gates.

Ken also played a major part in the founding of Santa Fe Trail Day back in 1934 as a way for students to get what they wanted most - a day off from school! Students were required to attend class if they did not attend the festivities. Today, our school district is on a four-day work week, so all students have the day off on Santa Fe Trail Day!

Thanks for reading my blog!