Journaling -- it's everywhere!

Journaling, it seems, is a topic that's cropping up everywhere. Just yesterday I received a newsletter from Sheri McConnell, founder of National Association of Women Writers, in which she extolls the virtues and powers of journaling. Sheri cites her interview with an author who used journaling as her 'safe place when trying to escape from an abusive childhood.' Sheri totally agrees:

'Journaling IS that powerful. It changes you, it can save you, it can help you evolve. And then if you share your writing, you can pass on that amazing experience to others.'

As most of you who have faithfully followed my writings on journaling in past newsletters know, I am equally passionate about the subject and have given many lectures about its various aspects. I'm thrilled to know that journaling is getting the attention it deserves from source other than 'moi.' For example, the Boston University Alumni newsletter states, 'Scientists are consulting Henry David Thoreau's journals for signs of global warming.' And the recent film starring Oscar winner Hilary Swank tells the story of a teacher, Erin Gruwell, who shared author credit with her students in their 1999 book, “The Freedom Writers Diary,” a collection of their journal entries.

I'm convinced journaling will become more and more popular as it gets further media attention. All the more reason to light that fire under you and get cracking. We're already one month into 2007, but it's never too late to make a resolution to start availing yourself of the 'joys of journaling.

'If you have any questions , or 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.

'Pitching' for Valentine's Day

Well, it's that time again... the 'season of love.' It's not too late to order those autographed copies of 'Travels With My Lovers' for your sweetheart. Send your requests to me, and I will rush a bright red-covered book to you in time for Valentine's Day. Okay, that's my pitch. Enjoy!.

Media Update
Opera expert joins local radio broadcast

I am again thrilled about a recent occurrence. One of my local classical radio stations, XLNC1 FM 90.7, has asked me to appear on their pre-Met Opera broadcast show this Saturday, Feb. 3 and next Saturday, Feb. 10, to assist them in their membership drive. I've been a great admirer of this station and their programming ever since I moved to CA several years ago, and I've always wanted to share some of my opera experiences with them on the air. I'm truly excited, both about being able to discuss my 'opera history' and also being of some assistance to them. So if you're in the greater San Diego area, please tune in on Saturday between 9-10:30 am and find out how I'm doing!

Feedback is welcome as always!

Another upcoming interview with Jackie O'Neal

On Jan. 11, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Jackie O'Neal on her online radio show. It was the most fun I've had in an interview in a long time. Jackie is a superb host, and our discussion, ranging from talk about Travels With My Lovers, my life story, and especially Journaling in all its aspects. She is a wonderful interviewer, and asked me fantastic questions, some of which I've never been asked before, :) and gave me a chance to really elucidate. I'm happy to report that I have another interview with her that will take place on Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. EST (2 p.m. PST.) This is a special 'Valentine's Day' segment, and she's asked me to read an extended excerpt from my book (she didn't have to twist my arm on that one!) We'll also discuss romance - it is the season, after all - and maybe even get into some steamy discussions. Jackie asked that I share the following info with you about her:

Rev. Jackie O'Neal is a member of the National Black Business Trade Association and hosts a radio show dealing with charity, fashion/beauty/wellness, religion and entertainment on Channel 18 http://www.nbbta.org/radio. In addition to her radio broadcasts, she writes columns for several online and offline publications such as Bella Online, The Blessed Room Magazine, Mar Magazine, The New York Amsterdam News, The Press of Atlantic City among others. She is the recipient of the Bella One year Award 2007 for her work at Bella Online, and her E-book "Giving hearts" is available for purchase here. She is an ordained Old Catholic Priest and holds a Masters degree in Sacred Theology. For her expertise in religion, she was selected to serve on the Panel of Experts with Women Business Owners, a non-profit based in Texas. Her career as an English instructor spans almost twenty years. Her love for the arts led her to study theatre and playwrighting with the renowned New Federal Theatre and she also founded Studio Frederick O'Neal Memorial in homage to the family's great relative. In 2004, she became the recipient of The Paul Aiken Encore Award for her efforts in preserving the memory of the actor, director, Frederick O'Neal and producing theatre dealing with issues dealing with women and minorities. She is also the recipient of The Through Her Eyes Award for her short, "I am not white, senores" at The New Federal Theatre's Abrons Arts Center in NYC.

Quite an impressive list, I must say. No wonder she's got such a terrific eye for what's intriguing. Tune in, and find out more, and do let me know what you think!

Jackie also hosts Giving Hearts, which features charitable endeavors, life changing experiences and inspiration to empower others. She is the Charity Editor for Bella Online, one of the largest women's sites in the world! You can sign up for her free newsletter here

For And About Writers
Carolyn Howard-Johnson's 'Nobel Prize' for literature

Carolyn is becoming a 'regular' in this newsletter. She'll owe me a kickback one of these days - she of course knows I'm kidding :-) - and we're all the better for it. She is limitless in her creative imagination and is always coming up with new and fascinating angles on writing. Here is her latest effort:

Praised or maligned, the Nobel Prize for Literature is always news. It selects the best from the world and therefore misses much of value. Carolyn Howard-Johnson, “Back to Literature” columnist for MyShelf.com, closes the gap (only slightly) with her an annual “Noble Prize for Literature.”

Over the last years the Nobel committee has recognized authors for their literary expertise but there has also been a trend toward awarding the prize for, as Los Angeles Times Staff Writer Tim Rutten says, “an author’s particular relevance to the moral moment in which the world finds itself.”

Howard-Johnson’s prize therefore concentrates on books that address these same issues. For her Noble Prize (as opposed to the NOBEL prize), Howard-Johnson considers books written in English (which narrows the field of prospects considerably) because writers who write in English have been rather neglected over the years and because that is the language in which she . . . ahem, reads well enough.

Howard-Johnson’s lists have included well-known authors who explore discrimination in their writing like Toni Morrison and Ralph Ellison but she tries to concentrate on authors who have not been posted to best-sellers lists or won major awards. Some past winners are LA's Leora G. Krygier and Randall Sylvis.

You can learn more about Howard-Johnson here.

'Why I write'

I found this quote in a Hollywood screenwriters' newsletter and felt it evoked my own sentiments. (I live to write, too, and hope someday to be 'produced' as he has been, lol.) Here it is:

'I live to write. That's what I do and when you're blessed to be able to be writing something that you love, it's not hard to get up every morning and open that computer and work on it. And there were many drafts that no one paid us for, that I did for free over and over and over again. But for me it's a great way to spend the day, to write scenes on a story that I love -- and sometimes I'm lucky and they're paying me to do it.'

From that stems my 'readers question' of the month: which recently prominent screenwriter of what recent movie wrote the preceding quote? Answers will be published next month.

'Book opportunity'

Talented writer Jannine Corti Petska asked that I post this FYI.

♥ FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY AT AMAZON! ♥

Buy 4 eligible items in the 4-for-3 promotion offered by Amazon.com and get 1 of them free. REBEL HEART, a western historical romance by Jannine Corti Petska, is an eligible item. Click here to find out how you can take advantage of this great promotion!

Free writing articles

For those of you who need copy for newsletters, etc., take a look at this from the always-fantastic AbsoluteWrite.com. Their newsletters are phenomenal, as is their site.

'From My Readers'
'Love the new format!'

I'd like to thank all of you who wrote in your feedback on the new format. Here are some of your comments:

'Love the new format, Erica, as well as the contents. You're getting so accomplished that, I fear, I've created a monster!'
Ken Rotcop (my writing mentor)

'Thanks for sending that incomparable newsletter! When time allows I'll look it over properly---wow! Almost everything is quotable!'
Ellen Shaw Tufts, San Diego Writers and Editors Guild

'Think the new format of your newsletter is WONDERFUL!!!!!' -- Pam Bostwick 'I did get the new formatted newsletter! It looks great!' -- Heather Wharton 'snazzy newsletter and good quotes. thanks.'
Bob Miner

Thank you, all!!

Closing thought(s)

I just couldn't resist including both of these. I'm guilty as charged in the first one, but the second one provided some consolation!

'Any word you have to hunt for in a thesaurus is the wrong word. There are no exceptions to this rule.' – Stephen King

‘Every writer I know has trouble writing.' -- Joseph Heller

Until next time.

Best regards,

Erica Miner


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