Introductory Comments
Is it that time again?
The holidays, it seems, don't roll around anymore - they approach with the speed and momentum of a Mack truck. Maybe it's because I'm getting older. Or it might have something to do with the fact that the media assault WRT Christmas et al began before Halloween this year. Whatever the reason, I'm confronting the season with a combination of attitudes that fall somewhere between sanguine and incensed, with a sprinkle of holiday cheer. In fact, I think I'd like to stay focused on the 'cheer' aspect as much as possible, so see below, 'holiday plans' for some unique ideas on how to say 'happy holidays' to your favorite folks. Meanwhile, I'd love to know what you all think about the subject of having to deal with Christmas earlier every year. I've given you my thoughts, so feel free to write in and let me know. As far as that goes, you have all been wonderful about sending me your comments as I requested last month, so many thanks for taking the time to do so. See 'From My Readers' below for the results of my 'surviving winter' poll, along with a few other thoughts you shared with me on other issues.
If you have some feedback on how you feel about the above, feel free to e-mail me. I'll be sure to respond - and with your permission, to include your comments in the next newsletter.
Media Update
On Nov. 6, I had the pleasure of chatting with other writers as part of Lea Schizas's Muse Online Conference. It was a lively, inquisitive group and we all had a blast. The terrific response to the invitation to discuss 'The Write to Remember: Journaling for a Better Life' just reaffirmed my belief that journaling can benefit everybody. We're geared up for doing it again early next year, so watch my newsletters for details on how you, too, can participate.
Meanwhile, among the many kudos and pleased comments I received from this great bunch was a blog entry by Bob Medak (http://bobmedak.blogspot.com/), who further confirmed my positive thoughts about journaling (thank you, Bob!):
Monday, November 06, 2006
Journaling Journaling is writing down, thoughts, observations and the junk that clouds the mind, freeing it for creativity. I find that since I started keeping a journal, my writing and creativity have both improved. Journaling is writing and writing is what improves us writers. Today, I attended an online conference on journaling with Erica Miner (Novelist, poet, and screenwriter) as the guest presenter. Through questions and interactions with the others attending the conference, journaling was further reinforced as a vehicle to stories and better characters in them. I may be biased, but I feel that everyone should journal for a multitude of reasons. One reason is leaving your story for your children or coming generations or relatives. Journaling is a great way for those that follow to glean. some insight into the live of their ancestors. What a wonderful gift from a mother to her daughter, father to son. The young person can glean a snapshot of their grandparents or even further back through the generations. Try it, you might actually enjoy it.
The indomitable Carolyn H-J'
My dear friend Carolyn Howard-Johnson is so good about sending me her press releases, I can't resist sharing at least one with you. Here's the skinny on Carolyn's newest project, which has already gotten rave reviews:
Poets Take a Swipe at Hallmark Award winning poets
Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Magdalena Ball have teamed up to produce Cherished Pulse, a book of unconventional love poetry,which is anything but syrupy. It's offered as an e-book, costs less than a single paper card, and may be printed and/or combined with a rose or a piece of jewelry for a superb gift. The poems reflect sentiment for those who want to say something a little richer, a little deeper than simply "I love you." Howard-Johnson says : "I think there is a market for stuff that doesn't look and feel like Hallmark." The two poets hail from different continents, Ball from Australia and Howard-Johnson from California, USA.
And the 'gifted' Karin Spritzler
Something gorgeous this way comes!
For this Holiday Season, why not a personalized LOTUS LEAF by artist, poet and calligrapher, Karin Spritzler. These one-of-a-kind, real Lotus Leaves are hand-painted and dried to stay preserved forever. Check out Karin's website and you will see they look like ancient "fans," richly colored. The "Feng Shui" remedy ones are a personal favorite of mine. Karin can paint them in your choice of colors, calligraph them with your favorite quote and can also add a special image of your choosing - even your cherished pet! Prices are $75 to $125 and worth every penny. This has to be one of the most cherished and lasting gifts ever. Please visit Karin's website for a look at her present array of leaves, and/or contact her directly for ideas on how to personalize yours.
For and About Writers
News from the Long Story Short Writing School
Denise Cassino, a founder of the LSS Writing School, sent me this recently. She's hoping to expand the school, and I wanted to share her message with you. Sounds like a great way to get yourself motivated and geared up for a whole new year of writing ... Dear Writing Friends, Please help us grow the Long Story Short School of Writing and the ezine – forward this to ten writers you know! Now available for sign up is Jan Parker's Articles Mean $$$$ Course Sampler. There is no obligation, it’s all for fun. Check it out here at the top of the page. Sign up and write up your best response to her assignment – you might have your work published in Long Story Short next month! And you'll learn something besides! We are offering some classes in eBook format now – a downloadable .pdf file for $18.99-29.99. You’ll own the course to study at your leisure and return to again and again!
New! 'From My Readers'
Now comes the fun part you've all been waiting for. I welcome feedback from any and all of you. Feel free to comment on the comments - keep 'em coming!
Darcy DeMarco writes:
'I like to write during the winter, too; I like the feeling of being indoors when it's colder outside. Too bad here in the west, it's not practical to build fires in our fireplaces (when we have them; I don't have one where I live) and sit inside and enjoy a cozy day at home.'
And from Georgia Richardson, humorist extraordinaire: (thanks for the fan mail, JJ!)
'I always smile when I see "Erica Miner Newsletter" in the subject line. You have a way of making your readers feel calm. One might say your newsletters are soothing.
'As far as the change of the seasons, I LOVE this. I've found that when the seasons change (or the daylight savings time), so do I. Call it my "measuring stick" ... When the new season comes in, that's a signal to to re-evaluate my writing situation. By this I mean :
'My methods of writing, My daily habits (do they need adjusting to compensate for the shorten hours of daylight? The temps?), Does my office need revamping (usually yes) and/or, Do I need to do more writing/submitting? Less?
Some people say when "times" change they automatically check their fire alarm batteries. For me, I automatically check my writing batteries. Sometimes, they just need changing ... You know?'
And last but not least, from my favorite Canadian poet, Eveline Maedel - ebenezerscribe.blogspot.com
'I noticed in your last newsletter you mentioned getting more done in the shorter days of winter. I've always found winter to be the time that I read more, write more and am a little more focused than summer time. Maybe it's because it's usually so darn cold and snowy here, that we are just naturally drawn to hunker down inside and "hibernate" a bit. Anyway, this November has been very gray, and cloudy and damp and I'm finding myself very much missing the sunshine! No snow here yet, but even that would be a relief. Ah the solstice can't come soon enough...'
A New "Travels" Reader Comment
I always enjoy getting new comments about my book and its protagonist, so I'm sharing this one, from violin expert Jade Schulz, with you. I thought it was particularly insightful, and it's not everyday I get a man's point of view:
'I liked her... Tough enough to walk away when it’s time, but still has her heart on her shirtsleeves, can have a little fun, romance... Fall for someone ...
' Yes, dear readers, the indomitable heroine of Travels With My Lovers is a character who evokes empathy and intrigue. Why not consider giving copies of the book to your favorite readers on your list as a lasting Christmas gift? As witnessed by Jade's comments above, even guys can enjoy this armchair journey of self-discovery to Europe and beyond. Just send me an email at: emwriter@earthlink.net. I'll be happy to fill your order for an autographed copy, guaranteed in time for Christmas!
A closing thought - and one extra for good measure
''Easy reading is damn hard writing.'
– Nathaniel Hawthorne
(Thanks to the National Association of Women Writers for the following:)
'The power of the word is real whether or not you are conscious of it. Your own words are the bricks and mortar of the dreams you want to realize. Behind every word flows energy.'
- Sonia Choquette
( Professional Writing Tip will resume next month)
Until next time.
Best regards,
Erica Miner
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