WHAT IF .... A TWISTED FAIRY TALE ...

Hi, all,

Today I am posting for a hilarious blogfest sponsored by Mark Koopmans of Hawaii fame. Mark has a delicious sense of humor and plays host to the comedy aspect along with three lovely ladies (Morgan Shamy- who is not only sweet, but super talented and hosting the love story angle. I've know her for a while and she is a total delight. Leigh Covington, don't you just love her name? I haven't met Leigh yet, but I am certainly looking forward to getting to know her. She is hosting the tragedy part of the blogfest. And finally, Cassie Mae, another new blogger I am looking forward to getting to know. She is hosting the plot twists. This fun and amazing blogfest is featured all this week until Aug. 17th and all hosts are giving away amazing prizes, so there is still time to post yours!

All you have to do is take a classic fairy tale and ask What if? Then change the story to make it your own. It's that simple. Why not have Cinderella run away with the coachman instead of Prince Charming...  or

Make sleeping beauty an insomniac, freaking out the evil witch by NOT falling asleep. The possibilities are endless.

My tale is slightly risque, so be prepared for a shocking twist to this classic fairy tale. I hope you enjoy it. Don't forget to visit the other entries. There are some amazing imaginations in the blogosphere today.


Journeying through the woods, Red riding hood snagged her fishnet stockings on a bramble along side the path. The wolf, following closely behind stopped to watch.

“Damn, this is my last pair!" She raised her already short skirt and glanced down her long, supple leg.

Now that's a tasty looking drumstick, thought the wolf, salivating.

"What do I do now?” uttered Red, as she placed her basket down, bending over to search through it. The wolf lunged and flew over her, crashing into a solid oak tree.

"Oh, my! What on earth?" She gaped at the wolf. Her eyes washed over his fine chiseled features. A mass of thick, wavy, light-brown hair crowned his head. His ripped, muscular chest, arms, and legs were blanketed in a finer version, but in a slightly darker hue. Only A narrow sash hung low on his hips barely concealing his privates. 

Stepping closer to the beast, Red’s breathing grew heavy and her full breast heaved.

A low guttural moan escaped from the wolf.

Red moved in closer. She caressed the side of his face and then planted a big juicy one on his unsuspecting snout. His eyes blinked open. "What the hell are you doing?" he growled.

She laughed, licking her lips. "You're hot, Wolfie! Let's have another!" Red threw her arms around his neck.

He pushed her away. "Are you unhinged? I want to eat you."

"Oooo, I would love that." She stood up and raised her skirt, revealing black lace panties.

The wolf shook his head. "You are kidding, right?"

Red moaned, running her hand along her thigh. "I’m so turned on." With her other hand, she grabbed the back of his head.

"You're frickin' psycho?" The wolf sprang up and ran into the forest.

"WAIT! I thought you were going to eat me?" 

I hoped you enjoyed my little tale. But there is more. The blogfest limited our entries to 300 words, so, if you'd like to read the rest, here is  .... enjoy. 

Red sprinted after him.

The wolf careened through the forest and saw a little cabin. "I need to hide. That dame's dangerous," he muttered.

He made it to the front porch and opened the door. All seemed quiet. He scoped the living room, looking for a place to hide. Nothing. He heard a soft snore in the bedroom. Hmmmm. Perhaps I'll have lunch after all. He padded into the room. Not much meat on this one, but I like to eat light for lunch. 

The front door slammed shut. "Granny, it me, Red riding hood."

It's that freak. Hide! The wolf dove under the bed, just as Granny stirred.

Red stepped into the bedroom and gave her granny a hug. "I brought you a nice lunch, Granny."

"Thank you, sweetie. I am a bit hungry.”

Red sat next to her Granny and told her all about the hunky wolf in the forest. Granny raised an eyebrow.

"That beast didn't even service you? The nerve. You're the hottest tart in the village."

"I know. I just don't get it."

Underneath the bed, the wolf shook his head. Are these two broads for real?

"Damn. I Really wanted him, too. I didn't even get the chance to peek under his sash. I bet he was fully packed."

"Oh, honey. I had a wolfman once. It was about fifty years ago. Ummm, Ummm. I wasn't disappointed either." She smiled. "Maybe he was gay. It would explain it."

"That must’ve been it. No hetero would pass this up." Red stroked her legs.

GAY? ME? I'LL SHOW THEM! The wolf burst out from under the bed, growling.

"Look, Granny! That's him. Isn't he gorgeous?"

"Well dear, let's get him for you then."

In a flash, they tied him to the bed spread eagled and gagged. The wolf, shocked by the old lady’s strength and Red's agility, laid there paralyzed.

"Well dear, have fun." Before she left,  Granny stepped over to the wolf and lifted the blue sash.

He jerked out of his temporary stupor. “Leave me with some dignity please,” he spouted through Red’s kerchief.

Granny sniggered. "Oh, yes. I remember so well." A grin crossed her lips. "Yes indeedy."

The wolf couldn't help but feel proud. Yeah, I'm the wolf!

Red escorted Granny into the living room. "Later, Granny."

She entered the bedroom with a gleam in her eye.

I'm in big trouble now ....

UNFORGETTABLE BLOGFEST ....

Hi, everyone,

I hope all of you are having an unusual Monday, different from the norm. If not, why not check out my cyber sis's Unforgettable Blogfest?! Siv Marie @ Been There, Done That, is hosting this fun blogfest. Post about a unique place or person that you will never forget or that has changed your life.

This opens up a world of possibilities, doesn't it? It certainly does for me. So hop on over to Siv's blog for all the extraordinary posts. After you read mine of course.

I have decided to write about a very recent discovery I had made about a certain group of people: bikers.

No, not the people I see pedaling the lakefront in Chicago on a daily basis, but the rough, tough, leather clad men and woman that streak across the country in packs.

My story begins when my cousin on the west coast of Florida had invited me to her place for a long weekend over the Easter holidays. I really hadn't spent much time with her since we were kids, so I thought it would be fun to reconnect.

After my long grueling ride across the state, I finally had made it to her condo. The blazing sun scorched everything in its presence. Summer had come early to St. Petersburg, Fl. Dripping, I carried my travel bags and some food to the door. My cousin greeted me with a warm smile and big hug.

During lunch we caught up on all the family gossip and then she took me around town and to the beach. She had mentioned meeting her friends later in the evening at one of her favorite haunts.

The sun sank and so did the temps. It had amazed me how cool it got by early evening. She never did tell me exactly where we would end up, so I dressed in a nice pair of jeans and a turquoise fitted v-neck sweater. Casual, but classy, right?

We had our first few drinks at a beach type bar where the clientele was mostly older, at least ten years older than us. Not really my scene, and it surprised me because my cousin is HOT, so I thought we'd be going to trendier places.

"What's next?" I had asked as boredom set in.

A wicket grin crossed her face. "I'm not sure if you're ready for what I have to tell you. Just go with it and ask no more questions." She laughed, took my hand and dragged me back to her brand spanking new Jeep.

I raised a brow as we passed from the strip of high-rise beach hotels to the inner works of the city. Twenty minutes later she pulled up into the driveway of this run-down hovel. Split wooden steps lead to a semi opened door expelling clouds of smoke.

"You seriously are not taking me in there." My eyes darted from the smoke lingering on the front decking to my cousin's face, alight with mischief.

"Trust me," she said taking my hand again. You'll love my friends."

What kind of people hang out at a place like this?

The dozens of motorcycles should have clued me in. but I hadn't notice them at first.

We entered the hovel through a smoke screen. As it cleared I had a better view of my surroundings. I gulped.

Now, I'm not really a snob, but this place was REALLY not my scene. Decades of smoke infused the cedar walls. Everything but the kitchen sink hung from the wooden beams. Each step I took stuck to the floor.

In the blink of an eye, my cousin was surrounded by the most motliest group I had ever seen. Not one designer ANYTHING dressed any one of them. Torn jeans, ripped tees, leather vests, pierced everything, tattoos, bandannas, and exposed skin, that shouldn't have been exposed. I stood out in the worst kind of way, I was the token gold coin in a piggybank full of silver ones.

What is she thinking?! I know JoJo's crazy. She always was, but she's got to be kidding me!

She turned toward me, smirked, and began introducing me. Hands extended, eyes lit, and broad smiles beamed at me with each introduction. To my absolute shock, this was one of THE most sincerest and friendliest group of strangers I had ever met. Nothing false. No pretense. These people were genuine. They were who they were with nothing to prove to anyone, and accepted anyone for who they were.

I found myself fascinated and began chatting away as if I had known them for years.  JoJo disappeared for a while, but I didn't panic. On the contrary, I had a most intriguing conversation with a part American Indian woman. Her cosmic ways only added to the intrigue. She was very spiritual and into Wicca and the earth. She read auras like we read words.

She had approached me the moment I had stepped out onto the patio and commented on how white my aura was.

"Is that a good think," I had asked.

"Yes, and very powerful." She then put her hand on mine. "Yes, very powerful. I hope you are ready?" She said as her eyes sparkled in the dim outdoor light.

"Ready?" I smiled. "For what?"

"The ride of your life. Big things will be happening for you soon."

I looked at her quizzically. Not truly believing what I had just heard. Was she drunk? I gazed into her clear, black eyes. No that's not it.

She nodded. "Yes, big things. I really hope you're ready."

I cleared my throat. "I was born ready," I said, locking my eyes on hers.

Her thin lips curled. "Yes, I believe you are."

"So, when is all this to happen?"

She grinned. "Time is very fickle. It will present itself to you when it does."

"That's a bit vague. Can't you be more specific?"

She patted me on the shoulder. "Just be ready for it when it happens." She turned and walked into the bar.

I have never forgotten her. How strange. How powerful was her presence. And what about her premonition? Is my life going to change so drastically?

Well, it's been about four months. Not yet..... LOL.  You guys will be the first to know when it happens.

So do you have a person or have you been to a place that you will never forget? I'd loved to know.

This is such a fun blogfest, I hope you have a chance to read some of the other bloggers posts.

Have a great Monday everyone.

BLOGGER BUDDY APPRECIATION DAY ...

Hello everyone,

We have coasted through to mid week, so I decided that we need a positive pick-me-up to get us through the rest of the week.

First, I would like to welcome my new blogger friends. I have five new friends this week, so welcome, Encourage one another (LOVE your penn name!), Peaches, Crack You Whip, Gene Pool Dive, and Raquel.

Over the past six months I have become even more dedicated to appreciating my blogger buddies. Who else can understand the trials and tribulations of a writer's life better than one of our BBs? They are there to listen to our tales of whoa, sympathize with us, lend an encouraging word, or give us truly awesome advice.

Our BB's help us with our writing, spend HOURS critiquing our work, helping us find all the plot holes, bad punctuation, structural problems, etc. What do they ask for in return? Only our friendship.... In today's world, where people are only out for themselves and the almighty buck, isn't wonderful to visit a place where you can be yourself, enjoy the company of amazing people, and it costs nothing!

No Dorothy, you are NOT in Kansas anymore. Not only is our blogosphere, not the norm, it's not even Emerald City .... it is SOOOOO much more! A world where not even THE most creative writers could ever simulate in prose. It is an entity of such soul, passion, love, creativity, warmth, excitement, endless information, and just plain FUN!

So today, I have designated Aug, 8th to be BLOGGER BUDDY APPRECIATION DAY! I think we all deserve our own special day, don't you? SO, I want you all to visit your buddies and tell them how much you appreciate them. Send them a broad smile, a hug, virtual chocolate, cake, cookies, wine, champagne, or whatever you deem appropriate.

I am sending all of you my respect, admiration, and LOVE... PLUS a HUGE BEAR HUG. FEEL my heart pounding? Good, then I know I'm squeezing tight enough.

I would also like to send out a special thanks to Karen Gowen of Coming Down the Mountain. She and her friend, Shauna, were kind enough to do something very special for me this week. I will post more about it next week. Anyway, Karen is AWESOME, so if you don't know her, please drop by her blog. She is an amazing woman who is also co-founder of Celery Tree.... Don't know about Celery Tree? Then drop by for all the details of this cool and exciting on-line book store.

Well, that's all for today. Get busy and drop by your BBs now.. I know I will be!

Here a few pics of me and a few of my blogger buddies that I had met over the past six months.

 Although technically not a BB, I did meet Henry Winkler at the SCBWI conference in NYC and he is a children's book author. Seriously.

I met Marcy from Mainewords during my time in Orlando. She is a sweetheart and had fantastic energy! We toured the Morse Museum, featuring Tiffany art in Winter Park, Florida.

Here we are having a fantastic lunch and latte at a french bistro. Good times!






















Pk Hrezo have met several times in Orlando. Here we are at Downtown Disney, hanging out and catching up.

Pk is amazing because she is in constant whirlwind, raising a family, working like mad, and writing too! She is a woman who balances life perfectly... I don't know how she does it.





What can I say about Nicki Elston? A fellow Chicagoan ... well the burbs, but close enough.

We met last week at the zoo, just blocks away from my place in Lincoln Park. She arrived with her two teenage kids and we had a BLAST!

Nicki is so much fun, I wish I could see more of her. Although we only live an hour a way from each other, it has been over a year since we last got together.

She give 80's cool an new meaning. Published author, mom, wife, and all over fantastic person, Nicki is one person you all need to know!

Here are a few more friends I had met along my adventures in Orlando...

These pals have inspired children's imaginations for decades.

Who doesn't love Winnie-the-Poo and Tigger too?!!!



The lovely lady below is non-other-than Marie from the Aristocats.

How many of you remember that charming movie from 1970?

I actually do! Scary. She is quite soft and squeezable though. LOL.

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP .... FINDING A WAY BACK TO WRITING ....

Hi, everyone,

Well, I can' believe it's time for another installment of the IWSG. It actually couldn't have come at a more perfect time.

As most of you know, I have been working on projects not related to writing for the past six months. Struggling through the A-Z challenge, keeping up with posts, and blogger friend's posts nearly killed me. Although I gave it the OL COLLEGE TRY, I failed. I couldn't keep up and do it all.

Talk about being INSECURE.... I know many of you have or do feel this way; beating yourself up because you can't keep up. DON'T DESPAIR....

That's what we are ALL hear for .... each other. With the amazing support of Alex J. Cavanaugh, Roland Yeomans, Donna Hole, and several other close blogger friends, I made it through the rough spots.

Our community, bar none, is THE most supportive community I have ever encountered. What makes it all the more AMAZING is that we all care! Basically we all strangers, yet .... I consider my blogger friends closer to me than people I have physical contact with. We understand each other. We know all the pitfalls .... we also know how to pull ourselves out of them. We share a passion for writing and for LIFE.

Many of us have families, insane jobs, or health issues, yet .... Here we are, visiting each other, sharing our tales of life, our stories, our dreams. Many haven't even told their families about their secret desires, yet we know.

So when despair hits, when you feel you can't keep up, when you lost .... come to us. That's what I did. When I returned back to Chicago, exhausted, and physically and emotionally drained, I came back to my blogger family. They had never left me.

Although I had no desire to write anything, I knew that reading posts and commenting would help pull me out of my slump. As I surfed the blogosphere I was amazed to find other blogger friends feeling exactly the same as me...

A week ago I dropped by Donna Hole's blog and saw a magazine contest sponsored by Narrative magazine in her sidebar.

"Could I possibly enter?" I had asked myself."What would I write?" I couldn't possibly have anything worthy by the July 31st deadline.

Two days ago I resurrected a short story I had written a few years ago. I knew the story was a strong one, but it needed some big editing, especially in the beginning.

I mustered up the energy and began. I finished the final edit 30 minutes before the deadline closed. I DID it!

For me, a few baby steps brought me back into the fold. It can for you as well. SO remember don't throw in the towel, NEVER give up....

At times like these I think of the A-Z post that Alex had written for T... I was mentioned... stunned. OF all the bloggers Alex is friends with, over a thousand, he chose me for being Tenacious. That alone gives me strength. Thank you ALEX! IT means SO much!

So I am now on the road to my writing recovery. YAY! It took some time, but sometimes time is all we need, so give it to yourself and DON'T feel guilty or put yourself down anymore!

I'd like to share an excerpt from THROUGH SHADES OF GRAY with you. I hope you enjoy. It's about a young man struggling with his life and where he fits in. He leaves the oppressive "Shades of Gray" in Chicago for the sunny shores of Florida.... Sound familiar. LOL.

The excerpt is from the end of the story... his observations while on the beach... It's fitting for this time of year.

Stepping onto the beach, I make it to the waves, drifting north on my odyssey. The beach vibe is altered today, as the human to wildlife ratio shifts. After a mile or so, I perch on an obscure sand dune. Several joggers pass by, but not the hardbodies I’m accustomed to seeing. Average middle-aged men and women smile at me as they continue enjoying their run together. I take a quick pic. 

A young father calls to a little boy, who is just a bit too close to the surf. A moment later, he rushes toward his son, scoops him into his arms, and smiles as his son giggles. The father’s patience and playfulness with the toddler intrigues me. I had always wanted kids. I take more pics as they play in the sand. The sound of a boom box distracts me.

Latino music washes over the beach as a group of teens dance. Passersby move to the pulsating beat. I click away at the random sites around me and then slide down the dune to continue my jaunt. The sun is high, and the heat of the day is peaking. 

The Ray Bans slip down my nose, as sweat pours from my face. Running to the shore with the Nikon held high, I step through the waves and a shock of cold rips through my privates. I’m breathless as I sink lower into the ocean’s depths, groaning.

I wade toward the shore after the impact and zero in on a small group. Teenage boys in over-sized boardshorts lift their bodyboards for another round with the surf, while bikini-clad girls watch in awe. I meander closer to them as the water shallows. 

Concentrating hard on my next shot; water-weight pulls my shorts down just below the equator. One of the teenage girls laughs as I awkwardly grope for the waistband.

“You’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, honey,” a woman old enough to be my mother said. I must have turned crimson because she smiled, and then winked at me. I ran, kicking sand on the innocent bystander next to her.

I found another sand dune, and waited for the sunset. As the orange fireball’s lowering in the sky, I hear a couple hidden in the brush. They step out onto the beach hand-in-hand; they hadn’t noticed me. I zoom in on them, and see the vestiges of their former youth, but time had been kind to them. He gently kisses her, as streaks of gold illuminate their faces. I leave, letting them enjoy their private moment.

I hope you all enjoyed the excerpt. Have a wonderful day everyone. 

THE PICS HAVE ARRIVED ... COME VIEW A 70'S HUNTER'S CABIN REDESIGNED INTO A CHIC CONTEMPORARY HOME!

Happy Friday everyone.

Today is the day I reveal the project I had been working on in Central Florida for the past several months.

I had met my clients through a mutual friend during their birthday party. She had mentioned her "mancave" home and how she desperately wanted to red update the great room. She knew of me as a writer, illustrator, and artist, but not an interior designer.

She was thrilled when I told her how I would recreate her space. Without even seeing the home, I was hired. I am one of those people that have a sixth sense about what a client wants. It is a gift and I am very thankful to have it.

A few days later I arrived at the lovely riverfront home. Nestled between two rivers on a small barrier island, this brick and timber ranch looked quite polished from the outside. With lush landscaping the "A" framed home welcomed me.

My jaw dropped as I entered. What I had faced was the nightmare my client had described ... only ten times worse. It was like walking into a time warf. Dry cedar, hung diagonally on each EVERY wall. The unfinished cedar-beamed ceiling sparkled with frosted popcorn... YUK! The sunken living room, affectionately know as "THE PIT" was surrounded by cedar fenced railings, with only a small opening to descend the two steps into it.

The heavy stone fireplace LOOMED over restricted space. It seriously looked like something you would see outdoors.

As my eyes glanced around the dark burgundy leather sofa sectional weighed down the room even more. The space was split in two- floor wise- half terra cotta tile, the other half a soft cream colored carpet (the only light thing in the space).

The dining furniture consisted of even more wood... oak this time, ranging from the 1930's to the70's. The crowning jewel was the etched paneled 70's chandelier.

The kitchen had been remodeled about six years prior, but the paper screamed 80's and the very heavy burgundy stools added even more weight to the NINE FOOT breakfast bar. No backsplash had been installed, only more of the dated wall paper.

Now don't get too discouraged. I certainly didn't, the space HAD AMAZING bones and potential. Two eight foot sliders and one six foot slider opened up to a stunning huge patio, pool with birdcage screening, and an AMAZING river view.

The space was open with four different sections. My job was to marry these four disjointed spaces into one stunning cohesive, functional, and modern space.

After my eyes adjusted, we signed the contract and a second later I was on my iPad. First things first ... get rid of the ugly huge leather barstools. Within fifteen minutes I had ordered six fabulous new low-rise contemporary ultra suede and chrome stools.

This was the first of MANY purchases. My clients wanted EVERYTHING new.

Believe it or not it took me some time to convince them to pull the cedar and drywall the space. The next feat was to scrape the popcorn off the ceilings and refinish and seal the beams. That took a while too. After 23 years in this space, they had a hard time finally letting go. But, I knew they were up for it. Once the demo started, their excitement rose.

Well are you ready for the Pics? I guess I have talked enough. Pictures speak louder than words.

I will show you two before and two after. Again the space is huge ... about 2000 sq. ft. I don't really have a good after pic. The kitchen was too cluttered when I was taking my pics. Not too much work was done in their anyway.

Prepare yourselves .... And now .... here they are!

 

As you can see this is the kitchen and dining area. SO MUCH WOOD....

Now for the afters....

This is my favorite pic ... and yes ... this IS the same house!

This pic is a daytime pic with a glimpse of the kitchen backsplash and new kitchen island stool.

Here you can see the heavy leather sectional and the Danish recliner, which is the ONLY piece of furniture the client insisted on using. 

Here you get a good feeling for the "Pit."

In the "after" pic two things are missing, the window treatments and fireplace glass enclosure. They are installed now, but not at the time I had left.

Now the afters. The pit literally has been transformed with the stone demoed and replaced with drywall and gorgeous glass tile.

Here is a lovely view from the dining area facing the living room and the Pit on the left. Notice the lovely custom railings i had designed specifically for this space.

A close up of the PIT... Isn't the fireplace stunning? I also tied in a LOVELY 19th century Seth Thomas clock in with this new contemporary space. 

Mixing a few choice pieces adds personality and warmth to contemporary spaces.

Well I hoped you enjoyed the shocking remodel. After ten weeks of countless hours I have two very happy clients.

Remember everyone, you too, can change your space. No matter what period your home was build in, you too, can transform your home. With proper planning any transformation can be done, even on a limited budget. Believe it or not, I was able to do this WHOLE remodel, including EVERYTHING including electronics for less than it cost for me to remodel my kitchen four years ago. It's amazing how prices have come down and depending on your geographical region, you can do something major for any budget.

Have a great weekend everyone... I'll be dropping by, still catching up with old and new friends.

RIGHTS OF PASSAGE, THE WRITE CLUB, and OTHER NEWS ....

Hi, all,

It has been ages since my last post. I do apologize for that. I arrived back to Chicago two weeks ago, and for anyone that has been away from home for months at a time will surely understand getting back into the grove of things takes some time.

FINALLY, I am easing back into my routine and that includes visiting my blogger friends and posting on a regular basis.

I have noticed some new friends, WELCOME. I will drop by and visit you soon. I remember the days when I had welcomed each new friend individually and I am certainly going to maintain that ritual. It pleases me to acknowledge each and every one of you.

Hello and welcome Manisha, Kela, Evalina, Constanz, Beautiful Dees, Simon, Willowlive, TK, Teresa, Susan, Huntress, Alyson, Caterina, Carol, Grandma Yellow hair, Kiru, Morgan, Katie, Kimberly, Kellie, Nissa, Lexa, David, and Antonio. Phew, that was a mouthful.

I have had the pleasure of already speaking to a few of you, but I can't wait to get to know all of you more personally.

And know for some news. My friend, fellow blogger EXTRAORDINAIRE, Roland Yeomans, is featuring his latest book, RIGHTS OF PASSAGE. And IT'S FREE for the next few days! Isn't that a STUNNING cover?!!!

So please drop by his blog and tell him I sent you over. I know many of you know Roland, but if you don't, you NEED TO! His blog ALWAYS has great writerly advice and he is a true supporter to all in need.

His writing style is lush, descriptive, and intriguing. No other author has his heart and soul. It gushes through each and every word of his writing. So don't miss out on his free download.

Also, check out his many other amazing works with more evocative covers.


Another amazing blogger and friend is DL Hammons. With only one more week to sign up for WRITE CLUB 2012, the blogosphere is abuzz! Have you not yet heard of this event? Well, it's not too late, you can still sign up for the challenge.

What is WRITE CLUB, you ask?  In DL'S words ( Sorry DL, you can explain it better than I can. I hope you don't mind me quoting from your blog.)

" ... let’s talk about just what WRiTE CLUB is for those of you may be new.   The essence embodies simplicity, good-natured competition, and a lot of fun.  Over the course of twelve weeks we’ll be holding weekly bouts to determine winners that will advance to the play-offs, which will ultimately lead to a single champion.  Bouts between who…or what…you ask.  Anonymous 500 word writing samples, submitted by anyone who wishes to take part, that’s who.   The submitted samples should be identified only by a pen name of your choosing (be creative) that nobody has ever seen before.  The writing can be any genre, any style (even poetry) with the word count being the only restriction.  It’s a way to get your writing in front of a lot of readers, without having to suffer the agony of exposure.  We’ll start accepting these submissions today and will continue to take them during the entire twelve week preliminaries, but beginning on July 30th, the first WRiTE will be held. "


TO sign up visit DL'S Blog, Cruising Altitude. I can't wait for this event to begin. It sounds like such a blast. And why not have some fun with our writing, right? I hope to see you all next week!

As a final note ... to all my wonderful friends who are waiting to see my latest design job, I am still waiting for the before pics to be sent to me. Posting a finished design will not have the impact it should without the before pics. I hope to have them by the end of the week. Note to self ... NEVER rely on others ... take your own pics! I learned my lesson.

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone. IT'S SO GOOD TO BE BACK!!!!!

A JOB WELL DONE ... INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP...

Hi, All,

HAPPY FOURTH!

I hope you will have the opportunity to spend the day with close friends and family doing what we all like to do best .... is it writing? Not today.... IT'S PIGGING OUT!

Now, as you know I watch myself like a HAWK. But one could still enjoy all the festivities of a BBQ without piling on the weight. Stick to grilled meats, salads, and lots of fruits and veggies. If you can manage to stay away from high calorie drinks, chips, popcorn, pretzels, and all sorts of breads and buns, you should make it though fine.

As you know I have been in Florida for all of this year so far. I FINALLY finished the design project I have been working on and it is AMAZING. I will definitely share pics with you as soon as I get the before pics from my source. They are taking FOREVER. I am leaving for home (CHICAGO) on Thursday. Two days driving in above average temps WILL not be a good time, but thankfully my car has air and so do the hotels.

For today's post for Insecure Writer's Support Group, I would like to use my design job as an example. With our writing we tend to put a time frame on it. "Oh, I can write the first draft in 30 days!" So you diligently write for hundreds of hours, stressing yourself out trying to make this INSANE deadline, which, of course, is self inflicted .... WHY? Why do we do this to ourselves?

I did the same thing for my design project. AND it cost me BIG! I priced it wrong and it took TWICE as long for the project to be completed. Unexpected obstacles plagued me especially in the end. So you see, this can happen in writing too!

WE get caught up in the plot, there may be several holes, which of course need to be addressed. Our characters are flat and unappealing. Again, another pit fall. Our dialogue is less than desirable. Do you see where I am going with this?

We need to take a breath, step back, and focus. All this rushing about for NaNo this, and all the other INSANE events are sometimes just not right for an author. Yes, it is a great challenge and if you make it though BRAVO! But many don't and end up beating themselves up because of it. This is not healthy and will breed much anxiety and stress to the writer.

So for this month's advice I say, plan ahead, pace yourself wisely, and you will finish that first draft when it presents itself to you.

I wish all of you a very happy and safe fourth of July... Please say a prayer for our military men and woman, because they deserve to be remembered on Americas birthday.