Read, Read, Read!

I have come to the conclusion, after taking specific advice from several renowned and well thought-of writers, that in order to become a good writer yourself, you first must become devoted to the task of committing to read, read, read!

Within the Blogger community, I have found many published authors and aspiring writers that have "blogs" (please refer to my "Blog List," below - right and my "Complete Profile" for list of blogs that I follow) that are filled with excellent advice, guidance, stories, and just about anything in the line of writing, editing or even publishing information that a writer could ask for. All that information is free for the taking, and the only commitment they ask of you is that you glean by reading, then spread the word. In fact, that's all that any writer asks of a reader, except that maybe we purchase a book a two in the process, so they can continue to making us happy while they make a living doing what they love?

From what I have seen, I would have to say that writers are among the most giving of all the professions. Instead of charging for every little course that they write, many of them offer their courses free in their blogs and newsletters. They also explain to their fellow writers how to perfect their craft, knowing full well that this is a competitive market. I'm proud to be a part of this profession.

Now, I must get back to the business at hand. If I ever plan to attain my dream of becoming a published author, then I need to read, read, read!

Until next time...stay safe, stay well, and may God bless you all!

Support--A Very Important Thing To Have!

I have decided that I must be the most blessed woman in the whole world. You see, I am disabled and have limited use of my hands and arms, which presents a problem for me since what I currently am endeavoring to do is to work on my very first crime-mystery type novel for young adults (YA). Yep, I'm a writer. So how is it that I am blessed, you may ask? That question is answered very simply: My husband supports me in every way he possibly can!

My husband, Dion, is an amazing man. He is so unselfish and giving. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it in all of my life. If I didn't live with him on a day-to-day basis, I may be tempted to think that he was too good to be true. Since I have actually seen him in action, I know that he is authentic. Furthermore, he's not even aware of how exceptional he is; he's a truly humble man. He's also one of the only genuinely sweet people that I have ever met in my life. Can you tell that I love this man more than life itself?


Dion and our youngest son, Jon, came in the door earlier this afternoon, bearing bags of groceries. I could see that Dion had something special for me behind his back. I was home, sick in bed with laryngitis, double earaches, and a terrible sore throat, so he was babying me, like he always does when I'm sick (he's such a sweetheart!) He knows I love surprises, and he brings me little presents quite often because I'm homebound, I think, so I couldn't wait to see what this gift might be.


"Close your eyes and hold out your hands, honey," he said, as he came closer.

I waited expectantly. Presently, I felt the familiar sensation of a book being placed into my hands. "Can I open my eyes yet? I asked.

"Go ahead!" he replied.

I was happily surprised to find that my hands had been filled with a 1969 copy of "The Short Story, An Introductory Anthology" written by Robert Rees and Barry Menikoff. Dion had purchased a book for me that delved into the areas of plot; setting; character; point of view; and tone, and I was totally thrilled! That's a man who pays attention to his wife, and knows what she's all about!

Not only that, but he listens to me endlessly when I read what I've written and need a sounding board; he gives me ideas when I'm stuck; he helps me work out plot problems; he has to shop for all of my supplies because I'm not able to; and he has to take care of me in ways that are above and beyond the call of duty. He does all that without complaining, too. Now that's what I call support!

Until next time...stay safe, stay well, and may God bless you all!