Erica's Newsletter
May 2007

A photo of Erica Miner











Introductory Comments
My ‘quote-heavy’ issue this month

This month’s issue is dominated by quotes, for two major reasons. One is that as of May 1st my stellar hubby is celebrating his 50th birthday. He doesn’t think this is a particularly huge deal, though he’s beginning to see it that way, with all the outpouring of enthusiasm for his half-century passage coming from relatives and friends. I’ve tried explaining to him that since he was brought up in France instead of the US, he has yet to comprehend why everyone sees the ‘Big 5-0’ as a major event. Eventually, he’s beginning to ‘get it’ – which makes things all the more joyous for both of us. All this to say, I’ve been busy with preparations for a month-long (at least) celebration. It’s all good.

The other factor in our ‘quote-heavy’ offering of the month is simply that I’ve found so many good ones I can’t resist saving them to… well, share with you.

So enjoy, and as always, send me your feedback

Media Update
'NLAPW Sponsors Arts Sale

My talented friend from the National League of American Pen Women, Patricia Daly-Lipe, has sent me this notice to distribute to my channels. For those of you living on the East Coast, it may be an intriguing chance to make plans for attending this event. Any questions can be sent to: patricia@lipe.name

NLAPW Sponsors Arts Sale Washington, DC…
The National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW) DC Branch is sponsoring its second annual Arts’ sale held September 30, 2007 noon to 7 p.m. at the Washington Club, 15 DuPont Circle (use the ‘P’ St., NW entrance), admission free. Participate in an event that features books, paintings, photographic art, quilts, jewelry, French cuisine plus a private tour of the historic Patterson House.

An invitation is extended to all writers, artists and musicians. This is the opportunity for the Art’s community to showcase their works to the public. For those interested in participating, contact Patricia Daly-Lipe at president@NLAPW-DC.org or 703-753-8529. For additional details, see our web site www.NLAPW-DC.org. A percentage of sales is donated to the Pen Arts Building Fund to help restore the historical headquarters of the League.

The National League of American Pen Women, founded in 1897, is a recipient of the Literary Hall of Fame Award in recognition of its contribution to the cultural life of the United States. Presently, the League’s mission is to promote the development of creative talents of professional women in the arts and consists of more than 200 local branches throughout the United States. In addition to local branches, the League provides membership to members-at-large and affiliate (non-citizen) members and encourages the formation of State Associations.

Present-day membership comprised of three comprehensive membership classifications: Letters, Art, and Music, offers association with other creative professional women through participation in workshops, discussion groups and lectures related to the creative process. Writing and poetry contests, art exhibitions (both juried and judged), and music composition competitions are conducted at local branch, state and national level of the organization.

' 'Calling All Authors' Interview Apr. 24

I had an absolutely fabulous time with Valerie Connelly in her amazing interview. She is a congenial host, and the time just flew before we could address all of the issues surrounding my book, my writing, and the fun of reaching out to women. No confessions, though, on how much was fact and how much was fiction. But having had such a great time, she invited me back and I am booked for Sept. 18. Stay tuned. And do send me your feedback as always!

Karin Spritzler’s Vision

Talented artist and writer Karin Spritzler shares her ‘vision’ for adding heartfelt emotion to wedding ceremonies. I myself have published in Vision Magazine, and I find it both beautiful to look at and enlightening to read. Read Karin’s article here.

For And About Writers
A hit for our Journaling article

As usual, Carolyn-Howard Johnson has been keeping me well stocked with writers’ news. I’m glad to report that our ‘Joys of Journaling’ article has been posted on Rebecca Burns’s fabulous site and I also received a number of Google Alerts from that source.

Rebecca, a passionate journaling advocate, does an amazing job of ‘empowering women to change their world’ on this gorgeous and comprehensive site. Carolyn and I are both delighted to have had our work chosen to be included therein. I urge you to check out the site. It’s one of the best I’ve seen in recent weeks.

Rebecca writes to me:

‘I really couldn’t wait to contact you. Thanks for allowing the use of your journaling article to others. It has received a handful of hits already on my blog. The article first appealed to me because I sell a line of journals at www.dreamfocusedinc.com but then later on I realized how much journaling was a part of a book I am working on… I am a sporadic journaler. It always helps me see the bigger picture and calms my mind and helps my focus.’

And to Carolyn:

‘I plan to include the journaling article in my monthly ezine as well. I have a unique line of writing journals and the article tied in so nicely.’

I will give more updates on Rebecca’s work and especially her fine book, which focuses on supporting women in the aftermath of domestic abuse, in future issues.

'From My Readers'
Bob and Harry et al continue their support

Bob Miner always has a kind word or two. Being he’s a brilliant writer, his words mean a lot:
‘Very nice site you have. Lovely and lively and friendly. Cool.’

Harry Green had glowing words:

‘Another fine newsletter, and it was fun to see my name and thoughts there. Thanks.

‘Since we were last in touch, I decided to download The Joys of Journaling: A Dialogue. I did so in spite of the sub-heading "Empowering Women To Change The World," and the connection you and Carolyn have to QueenPower. I assume it was OK for me to read it? :-) At any rate, I enjoyed reading it. I do need to get on the journaling process, but we discussed that earlier.

Nancy Mills wrote the following:

‘Thanks so very much for the mention in your newsletter. Means so much.’

You are very welcome, Nancy. Your colorful website is one of my all-time favorites.

Closing thought(s)
And now, about those quotes…

I know you’ve all been salivating at the thought. Many of these are geared towards women, (hey, no problem, Harry) but there’s wisdom for everyone in here. Thanks to Sheri McConnell of the National Association of Women Writers for several of them.

As a prelude, let me quote something from Kitty Carlisle Hart, an all-around fabulous person and one of my favorite artistes, who passed away last month. On the subject of energy, she said she got hers from doing the things she wanted to do. “You get so tired when you do what other people want you to do.” The wisdom of 9+ decades infuses that one, for sure.

Enjoy!

"Where I once found it safer to stay in the background... I've stepped from the shadows into the spotlight."
- Salle Merrill Redfield

"The first problem for all of us, men and women, is not to learn, but to unlearn."
- Gloria Steinem
(I’m a long-time devotee of hers; I would quote practically anything she had to say)

"We must use what we have to invent what we desire."
- Adrienne Rich
(I can only say… ‘Amen to that!’)

"Writing is about living. It is about specificity. Writing is about seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, touching. It is more about all these things than it is about thinking."
- Julia Cameron
(Another ‘amen’ for this well-known writers’ guru)

"The freelance writer is a man who is paid per piece or per word or perhaps."
- Robert Benchley
(Okay, he was from another era, so ‘person’ would be my replacement for ‘man’; but I had to laugh at the irony of this brilliant writer’s quote.)

“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”
- Mark Twain
(Another ironic and huge truth from a brilliant and wry writer)

"Someday, someone will follow in my footsteps and preside over the White House as the President's spouse. And I wish him well."
- Barbara Bush
(I must admit I think I’ve underestimated her)

(And last, but certainly not least:)

"Beware of women who read -- they also think."
- Anne Holt

Until next time.

Best regards,

Erica Miner


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Copyright 2005-2007 Erica Miner. All Rights Reserved

IN TODAYS' NEWSLETTER

Introductory Comments
My ‘quote-heavy’ issue this month

Media Update
NLAPW Sponsors Arts Sale
'Calling All Authors' Interview Apr. 24
Karin Spritzler’s Vision

For And About Writers
A hit for our journaling article


'From My Readers'
Bob and Harry et al continue their support

Closing Thought(s)
And now, about those quotes…