NOVEMBER 2007 NEWSLETTER FOR

WRITERS IN THE SKY

CREATIVE WRITING SERVICES

Yvonne Perry’s Author Corner

Most people know this writing company by the name Writers in the Sky because of the popularity of our newsletter, blog and podcast by that name. So, we changed our business name. As of November 1, 2007 we will be called Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services.

My book signing for RIGHT TO RECOVER Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America was a terrific success, thanks to my publicist, Chuck Whiting who set up the event and made sure everything was in place and on time. He even called me a few hours before my appearance to make sure I was staying calm.

Tom Shinness did a fabulous job with the music he provided. If you missed hearing this talented performer, you can listen to soundclips or purchase his CDs at http://www.tomshinness.com/. Speaking of music, Chuck also wrote and beautifully performed Right to Recover—a song written especially for the occasion. I hope to have this posted as an mp3 file. We are looking for someone to sponsor some studio time for a professional recording so we may share it with non-profits and patient advocacy groups.

Nashville Attorney Mary Parker spoke as a representative for the John Edwards presidential campaign. John and Elizabeth Edwards are strong supporters for blastocystic stem cell research. As Elizabeth would say about blastocystic stem cell research, "They’re either trash or research."

Reverend Dan Bloodworth shared his reasons for why he believes his son can be cured with a treatment or technology resulting from stem cell research. His Biblical perspective was well received by the crowd who gathered that rainy evening.

My parents drove to Nashville from Atlanta to support me in this venture. Mom helped with the refreshments and decorations, and Dad assisted as a greeter to make sure everyone in the store knew they were invited to our party. Taryn Simpson and Barbara Milbourn of Writers in the Sky team came out to show their support. Mindy Schwartz took the event photos we posted online at www.right2recover.com.

I appreciate everyone who supports me on this mission to increase understanding about stem cell research. What a blessing to work with such loving and giving people. If you would like a copy of RIGHT TO RECOVER, please ask your bookstore to order it. Or you may purchase the book online:
www.nightengalepress.com
www.amazon.com
www.barnesnoble.com

Would you like to be interviewed as an author on my blog? It's a great way to get some free publicity. See http://www.communati.com/main/free-author-interviews-posted-communati for details.

The contest we are doing with Jamie Beckett is underway but we still need film submissions based upon a scene in Jamie’s book Burritos and Gasoline. We’ve added a lot of material about how to make a film and enter the contest at http://bookfilmcontest.com/

We are now offering writing and publicity packages to help authors get exposure online. Get the details about our Media Release Package, Article Marketing Package, Author Publicity Package, Newsletter Package, Book Review and Interview Package, and our other writing services at http://www.yvonneperry.net/Writing_Packages.htm.

Below are short descriptions and links to this month’s articles. I think you will enjoy the variety and wealth of information in this issue. If you would like to submit something to our newsletter, check the submission guidelines at http://www.yvonneperry.net/Writers-in-the-Sky-Newsletter.html.

Networking to the Top of Search Engines using Article Directories and Blog Chains

By Yvonne Perry

After participating in Suzanne Lieurance and Kristin King’s article challenge with 60 other writers this summer, I made a lot of new acquaintances. Not only did I meet some terrific writers who were participating in the challenge, I also virtually “met” some of the people who picked up my articles and used them on their blog or Web site. I did this by going to the user’s site and leaving a comment thanking them for using my article and inviting them to participate in my next blog chain. How do I know who picked up my articles? Read on.

How to determine who is using your articles

I set a Google alert for each of my articles by going to http://www.google.com/alerts and typing in the full name of my article. Google then sends me an email with a link to the site(s) that have my article posted. Be sure to spell and punctuate the title of your article exactly as you posted it on the article directory. Also, be sure to use quotation marks around the title to refine the search criteria and avoid getting email alerts that are not related to your article.

Google alerts are also a great way to be sure that those who are picking up your articles are including your resource box on their site. I found that several folks failed to do that despite the fact that they agreed to abide by the rules listed on the article directory which makes this mandatory. Whenever I found a site that wasn’t including my resource box with my article, I posted a comment asking them to modify their post and comply with the rules. Some changed the post, some didn’t. The article directory owners will/can not do anything to enforce the rules, so be aware that this is a chance you take when you utilize article directories. Still, the benefits outweigh the cons.

What is a Blog Chain?

I mentioned that I invited my article users to participate in a blog chain. A blog chain involves about a dozen people who have a blog and want to participate in a fun group activity. Each participant visits the blog of each person on the chain within one week of being sent the list of URLs. When visiting each blog, participants read and comment on posts they find interesting. When you leave a comment on eleven blogs you will in turn receive eleven comments on your blog. And, the search engines smile upon you because this kind of activity increases your blog’s popularity and raises its ranks in search engines.

By leaving your name and the URL of your blog in the comment, you have established a link back to your blog. This works like a link exchange on Web sites, but you do not have to permanently feature a site in the valuable space needed for promoting your own goods or services. The comment is usually hidden on a blog, but the link is there indefinitely. The link helps you; the comment helps the other blogger.

Someone on a recent blog chain mentioned that it is an acceptable practice and poor etiquette to leave your URL in the signature when you post a comment. I don’t know who wrote the etiquette book on blog commenting or how many wet noodle cyber lashes you might receive for doing this. However, when we agree to participate in a blog chain, we agree to allow each blogger to mutually benefit.

I host a blog chain at least once a month. You may sign up for my next blog chain by sending an email to writer at YvonnePerry dot net. Notice how I posted my email address here. You’ll have to use your imagination to put the pieces together, but that makes you smarter than the spamming software that normally grabs exposed email addresses.

If you are interested in participating in the next Lieurance King article challenge, you may sign up at http://www.lkarticlechallenge.com/ .

Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer, editor, and the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services. She is a graduate of American Institute of Holistic Theology where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Metaphysics. She began her full-time writing career in 2003 and has since written more than twenty books. She is able to assist individuals and companies with any type of writing project. See http://www.yvonneperry.net for more information about her writing and editing services, books, newsletter, podcast and blog.

November Book Reviews

Title: One Wave at a Time: A True Story

Author: Billy Bryan Brown

Publisher: VIP Partners

Author’s Web site: www.Alaskawildernessfamily.com

ISBN: 978-1-60145-300-6

Pages: 213

Reviewer: Yvonne Perry (www.yvonneperry.net) (10/07)

OH, MY GOSH! What a Story!

One Wave at a Time tells of a miraculous true life adventure only ninety-nine percent of us could ever dream of, let alone live and survive. Billy Bryan Brown has done just that. Brown articulates vivid living imagery in a colloquial style as though you’re sitting with him beside a fire, seeing the colors of the flames and smelling the aromas of the burning wood.

Brown starts the journey as he describes the loss of his family in a tragic accident, followed by the complete destruction of the privileged life he had always known. Suddenly, at sixteen years of age, Billy Bryan Brown was cast into a world of unknown. Wandering the countryside from Canada to Mexico, he worked odd jobs, unable to find that “something” to fill the churning emptiness he describes. Then, he saw Ami. It was love at first sight.

This modern day pioneer, lead by a stirring deep in his soul and supported by his equally adventurous wife Ami, took off one day for the wilds of the Alaskan bush country with little more than their blind enthusiasm and love for one another. Page after page, Brown relentlessly pours out one harrowing story after another about their seemingly fool-hearted quest. All the while, one slowly gathers an appreciation for their inner strength and developing awareness of the wild land and scary sea they call home.

One Wave at a Time is a story of trust, of surviving on the most basic of needs: meat, warmth and water. As mankind has done since his arrival on this planet, the Brown’s learned how to adapt to their ever changing environment. They become hunter-gatherers in order to overcome one obstacle at a time, discover valuable life lessons, and ascertain that life’s simplest treasures are the ones that truly make life worth living.

Like the Beverly Hillbillies on steroids, the Browns become the consummate Alaskans as they live the Alaskan creed: take only what you need, use all that you have, when you no longer need it, give it to someone who does.

Brown weaves his tale just as he had lived it with straight-forward, simple, honest talk. There is no need to embellish these heroic tales when it comes to describing the hair-raising horrific sounds coming from the monsters in the night, or standing face to face with a twelve-foot tall grizzly bear ready to demolish them, or a raging bull moose ready to push the entire family over a cliff. From fishing boats on the roughest Pacific seas to the remotest spot of land in North America, day after day the Browns tackle seemingly insurmountable odds. Whether it was finding wood, food, water, medical care, or their house burning down, where there was a will, there was a way, One Wave at a Time.

The Cat Who Came for Christmas

Cleveland Amory Back Bay Books
(2007)
ISBN 9780316058216
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/07)

I like all animals, but consider myself to be a true dog lover. I especially love the big, ugly, slobbery ones. Cats don’t quite fit into this category for me. When I read, “The Cat Who Came for Christmas,” I developed a new appreciation for cats. Cleveland Amory has written a heartwarming story about his experience with a cat that he agreed to temporarily foster. For some reason, this strange creature managed to sink his claws into his heart - not literally, of course.

After cleaning up the dirty, not-yet-named feline, Cleveland discovered that the cat was actually white. He did some extensive debating about what to name this creature. He finally came up with Polar Bear and it seemed to fit. Cleveland still agreed to foster other animals, including a big rambunctious puppy, an overactive kitten, and a pigeon. Polar Bear was not very appreciative of them. These chapters were really fun to read.

In addition to Polar Bear’s story, the author also throws in some facts about the history of cats and his experiences with the Fund for Animals. These sections were very interesting. Reading about the history of cats and how they were revered in ancient times gave me a better understanding of why they evolved to be so haughty. The parts about the Fund for Animals, which he founded in 1967, were extremely interesting. Cleveland got heavily involved with some very strong efforts to stopping the illegal slaughter of whales and the inane clubbing of seals.

“The Cat Who Came for Christmas,” is a great book to curl up with. Even if you aren’t a cat lover, I think you will enjoy it, I did. I also believe that it would make a great gift for a cat lover.

Montana Mistletoe: Return to Mistletoe/Christmas Confusion/All I Want for Christmas is...You/Under the Mistletoe (Inspirational Christmas Romance Collection)

Authors: Lena Nelson Dooley, Lisa Harris, Debby Mayne, Kim Vogel Sawyer Barbour Publishing
(2007)
ISBN 9781597898201
Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (9/07)

Kids can sometimes make foolish promises, setting certain deadlines for years down the road. Do you ever wonder what might happen, when that date set so far in the future approaches? Will the pact be remembered?

Lori, Deanna, Madison and Kathy made a pact as children that they would find their true love by their 28th birthdays. None of them think much about it until they meet for lunch and remember the pact. They each ask each other if there is even a remote possibility that any of them will meet the deadline. Lori is the mayor of the small town of Mistletoe and has worked with her pastor on many occasions and thinks maybe there is a hope for the two of them to take their relationship to another level. However, they don't seem to be on the same page as he will be moving from Mistletoe very soon to take a different position in a different area of the country.

Madison runs a Christmas store called Under the Mistletoe and often travels to build up stock. Will she find someone to enjoy being under the mistletoe with this holiday season? She thinks the big city of New York and a successful businessman, Albert, may be her last chance before she turns 28. She sells her business, but her plans have a big fault and she returns to Mistletoe dejected.

Deanna is in charge of promoting the town of Mistletoe. Mistletoe has fallen on hard times and it takes all of her efforts to build up the tourism of the area. You can't exactly spend any time or effort on finding someone when your time is taken up on promoting the city. She fears the only way she will reach her goal of honoring the pact is to have a man suddenly fall into her lap. Be careful what you wish for!

Kathy has ventured away from the small city of Mistletoe. Despite being raised in the small city that honors Christmas every day of the year, she has lost her Christmas spirit. Will coming back to Mistletoe lead her to contentment in Mistletoe and love in her heart? May all the Christmas wishes of the town and young ladies come true?

“Montana Mistletoe” is truly a treasure by four talented storytellers. This book gives the readers love in their hearts and discovery of the true story of Christmas. No matter how much we think we can direct our lives, if it’s on God's timetable, things will happen in order for each of the ladies to be blessed in a most special way.

Open the pages of “Montana Mistletoe” today! As you read from page to page, it’s almost like opening a new present each time. Let "Montana Mistletoe" add a new dimension to your Christmas holidays this year!

For more holiday book reviews please go to: http://www.readerviews.com/genre_seasonal_Christmas.html

Rochester Hills author announces the release of her new book

Title: Confessions of a Catholic Schoolgirl Author: Michelle Kane
ISBN: 1528842-01

For Mothers...

For Daughters...

For Discussion...

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Michelle Kane survived nine years of Catholic school to go on to a public university, Eastern Michigan, where she earned a degree in English Language and Literature. Kane also completed a Masters in the Art of Teaching Reading and Language Arts at Oakland University. She is a certified Reading Specialist for grades K-12 in the state of Michigan.

CONFESSIONS OF A CATHOLIC SCHOOLGIRL is her second novel. Here is a description of the book:

Valerie Bernowski hates her school, her plaid uniform skirt, and her flat feathered hair. She also hates being teased and called “polock” so much she tells everyone she’s Swedish.

When Valerie finds out her parents are getting divorced, her world turns upside down. She begins to rebel against the Catholic faith and the ones who push it on her; her mother, Sister Mary Angelina and even Father “Fingers.”

Valerie’s story begins in the mid-’80s, when new wave was big and the hairstyles were even bigger. Her tales unfold through intertwining chapters of flashbacks and present day reflections. Her bumpy road to self-discovery is paved with a cynical sense of humor, a longing for love, and a struggle to find faith.

Will Valerie realize that in order to move forward, she needs to let go of the pain of the past and the fear of her future?

Available at: www.barnesandnoble.com, www.amazon.com, www.michellekane.com and www.myspace.com/readmichellekane

A percentage of profits will be donated to organizations fighting to end domestic violence.

Let’s Pretend Characterization (Part 1)

By Dorice Nelson

Mild disclaimer--to give credit where credit is due: Much of the following is my interpretation and how I use Alice Orr’s Workshop on “Writing Characters from the Inside Out.” Ms. Orr has been my mentor for many years and I value her style of working with characters.

The Beginnings of a Biological Life:

During the course of the six articles on characterization for Novel Writer magazine, the writer must pretend to be the actual character of interest. This particular style of Let’s Pretend to delve deep into characters is perfect for your main and important secondary characters, characters that have the most work to do in your novels. I truly believe that one of the most important aspects of any novel lies in the strength of its characters. Now, let’s pretend as if you, the writer, are really the character of importance to your story.

The most basic information you’ll need is biographical. It’s impossible to write about a character without knowing certain facts of his/her background. Of importance is the name of character. Each name should be distinctive and fit how you want your characters portrayed. Think of how the mother and father might have named them, depending on what the parents (if there are two and if they care) are like. Also, be sure to use different letters of the alphabet for first and last names of characters. Readers tend to look at the first initials and not the whole name. Two or more characters with the same first initial might confuse. Stop right here, and name your character. Also, fix a chart with each letter of the alphabet and keep track of all the names you intend to use in your novel.

Next, the writer needs to know where and when the character was born. Different areas maintain different life styles. North and South, East and West have unlike codes of behavior. Make a beginning for your characters. Their ethnic backgrounds are important, including their socio-economic backgrounds while growing up. As we already know from the state of historical and current times, ethnicity, social and economic factors play a large part of every day life, regardless of how we might want to disguise our prejudices or our beliefs. Again, it’s time to stop to figure out how your character’s behavior in the rest of the plot is dependent on the where/when, ethnic and socio-economic factors in the character’s past.

The members of the characters birth family have a direct bearing on how the characters will act in your novel. The person(s) to whom the characters favor in the family hierarchy gives a clue to the characters in their adulthood—as does the person to whom the character is most distant from or totally estranged from. It’s time to write up a family background for your character. Remember, you are the character and need this familial information in order to function in a consistent manner throughout the story.

How would the writer—as the character—describe his/her relationship with each parent? The description of the relationship also has a bearing on the character’s behavior in the future. If there is a loving mother and an abusive father, how might a character react in the future? If the relationships were reversed, and the mother was abusive and the father kind and loving, how might that affect a character’s future? We are all products of our upbringing to a certain degree. Not being a scientist, I can’t go into DNA evidence, but I’m sure it plays a large part—so make it up.

Think of a memorable or significant experience in the life of a child. What might change the character’s life if the childhood experiences were traumatic? How would your adult character face up to an unusual childhood? There is a major difference in a child who was dragged around the country while the parent is fleeing from the law than a child who was able to go to school in one area and was surrounded by friends and relatives. Give your character childhood feet on which to walk.

Adolescence is a time of great trauma for most teens. Those of us who have been through that traumatic period know that many of our attitudes as teen-agers have shaped the rest of our lives. Some of us never grow out of that life, others shun it. How would an adolescent experience in the life of your character help, or hurt, him/her conquer the challenges facing them in your novels? Write up an extended biographical experience for your character’s adolescence. Make it significant enough to have a lasting effect on the character. You might want to include a sexual experience—good or bad—as a factor.

What is the character’s educational background? As we all know, statistics tell us the college graduates make more money in their lifetime than those folks who do not finish high school. This plays into the socio-economics of the character’s background. Does the character quit high school? Does s/he go on to college? Do they take the course they want, what might interest them? Do they finish with a degree that means something to them in a status, financial or emotional way? Now is the time to figure out what is important to your characters in those learning years—preferably before they embark on their journey through your novel.

One last thing that might give you a hint to your character’s character is the few mementos s/he might have saved from their childhood, their adolescence or their college-age years. Was it a picture of the father they never knew, the lace handkerchief from their deceased mother or a physical ailment that ran in the family? Each individual aspect of life, you, as the character, can remember will affect your character’s actions when s/he starts out in your novel.

It is time for the writer to figure out these biological aspects for your main and secondary characters, before going on to the next section, which will include your character’s physical description of himself or herself. Write on, authors!

Dorice Nelson, author of three award-winning historical and romantic adventure novels, is published in dual formats with Write Words Publishing. Her books can be purchased at a number of stores, www.amazon.com and www.cambridgebooks.us for print or www.fictionwise.com and www.ebooksonthe.net for e-books. Autographed copies are for sale on her website: www.doricenelson.com.

NETWORK WITH US

Add your announcement or brag about your writing accomplishment. Tell us about your book or business. Share information and ideas or send articles or advertorial for the next issue to writer@yvonneperry.net. Remember, you may post a comment on our blog http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com anytime. Here are some announcements from our readers this month:

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Dear Yvonne, You have an awesome website and thanks for posting the following: Anyone who lives near the Central Oregon area please join the illustrator of The Christmas Angel (K.C. Snider), and me at the Bend library on Friday, Nov. 2 and at Redmond Library Saturday, Nov. 3 both from 1 pm to 3 pm. We are also invited to be on the morning show produced in Redmond on Friday morning.

Mary Jean Kelso http://hometown.aol.com/mjkel/myhomepage/index.html and www.authorsden.com/maryjeankelso

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You may sign up for Yvonne Perry’s next blog chain by sending an email to writer@yvonneperry.net.

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Hazel Palache’s first book is being released on Thursday November 1st. "The Astonishing Power of You, "Simple Steps to Creating an Extraordinary Life. You can find Chapter 3, the introduction and table of contents page list at www.theastonishingpowerofyou.com/book.html. We are doing a huge bonus with book email campaign on November 1st, so if anyone is interested in participating, please contact Hazel@TheAstonishingPowerofyou.com.

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If you would like to participate in the next Lieurance King article challenge, you may sign up at http://www.lkarticlechallenge.com/ .

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Warren M. Mueller’s first book, Truth Seeker: Straight Talk from the Bible (ISBN: 9781589824027) was released in September by the American Book Publishing Company. This book is for everyone who has ever wondered “What does the Bible really say about…” It is a concise and objective summary of many practical living and theological topics supported by numerous quotes. You will be surprised by some of the popular religious ideas that are not found in the Bible. There is an interesting interview posted on the author's web site at www.warrenmueller.com.

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Jennifer Brown, two-time winner of the Erma Bombeck global humor award (2005 & 2006), is now writing for The Kansas City Star. Read her column every other Wednesday on her website at www.jennifunny.com.

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Check Your Sell-Your-Book Expertise with Carolyn's Quiz


Every writer should know the answer to these or know how to find out :



1. What is the rule posted by most agents and publishers I can break in order to sell my book faster?
2. How can a style sheet help me edit my book or work better with my editor?
3. Why do I need to know about indexing?
4. How can I corral Word's Spell Checker to help rather than hinder my editing process?
5. Why is editing important to getting a publisher or an agent when my publisher's editor will help me with that anyway?
6. Why should I rarely send out a cover letter rather than a query letter?
7. Why should I avoid using italics for internal dialogue? How do you avoid using them for internal dialogue?
8. What perfectly natural and grammar-perfect thing should I avoid telling an agent?
9. How can I turn adverbs that slow my narrative into metaphors?
10. How can I purge my copy of passive constructions using a computer?
11. How can code words in my document help avoid humiliation?
12. How do I avoid superfluous quotation marks that annoy agents and editors?



If you don't know the answers to most every one of these 12 questions without peeking you are sure to benefit from the newly released book: The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success available now at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0978515870/ . It's already rocketed to Amazon's Top Ten List in its category! It should be sitting on your shelf right next to the award-winning* first in the HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers, The Frugal Book Promoter: How To Do What Your Publisher Won't by UCLA Extension Writers' Program Instructor Carolyn Howard-Johnson.



*Winner of USA Book News Best Professional Book 2004
*Winner of Book Publicists of Southern California's Irwin Award

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Author Exposes Controversies in Catholic Church

Detroit author and school teacher announces the release of her autobiographical novel, CONFESSIONS OF A CATHOLIC SCHOOLGIRL. Zeroing in on the Catholic Church controversy, author Michelle Kane reveals the kind of secrets the Catholic Church has been sweeping under the rug for years.

“Most people are too afraid to take on the Catholic Church, but not narrator Valerie Bernowski,” author Michelle Kane notes in reference to her latest book. “This is one protagonist who tells it like it is. Nothing and no one is off limits; including Valerie’s dead-beat dad, Ivan, and school pastor, ‘Father Fingers.’”

Based on Kane’s real-life experiences as a Catholic schoolgirl, protagonist Valerie Bernowski’s story unfolds through intertwining chapters of short stories. Readers will get a close-up look into real-life issues; such as domestic violence, divorce, rape, and the little discussed Catholic priest sex scandals.

“This story is important because Valerie learns how to keep her sense-of-humor in horrific situations. She’s a survivor,” explains Kane. 25% of royalties from sales of this book go to help victims of domestic violence.

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Eloquence: Rhythm & Renaissance by Usiku (pronounced oo-SEE-koo) –A refreshing, poetic alternative. Literary poetry, prose and short stories in layman’s terms. Hardcover publication date: November 2007. Autographed and numbered copies available. Visit www.usiku.net.

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Katmandu, Katmandu by von Satis Shroff

Satis Shroff’s anthology is about a poet caught between upheavals in two countries, Nepal and Germany, where maoists and skin-heads are trying to undermine democratic values, religious and cultural life. Satis Shroff writes political poetry, in German and English, about the war in Nepal (My Nepal, Quo vadis?), the sad fate of the Nepalese people (My Nightmare, Only Sagarmatha Knows), the emergence of neo-fascism in Germany (Mental Molotovs, The Last Tram to Littenweiler) and love (The Broken Poet, Without Words, About You), women’s woes (Nirmala, Bombay Brothel). His bicultural perspective makes his poems rich, full of awe and at the same time heartbreakingly sad. In writing ‘home,’ he not only returns to his country of origin time and again, he also carries the fate of his people to readers in the West, and his task of writing is a very important one in political and social terms. His true gift is to invent Nepalese metaphors and make them accessible to the West through his poetry.
(187 Seiten), Paperback: €13.84, Download: €6.25, Language: Deutsch & English

Through Nepalese Eyes

By von Satis Shroff

‘Through Nepalese Eyes’ is about the journey of a young Nepalese woman to Germany to meet her brother, who lives with his German wife and daughter in an allemanic town named Freiburg. It is a travelogue written by a sensitive, modern British public-school educated man. He describes the two worlds: Asia and Europe and the people he meets. There is a touch of sadness when his sister returns to her home in the foothills of the Himalayas.

(205 Seiten), Paperback: €12.00, Download: €6.25, Language: English. Both books are available at www.Lulu.com.

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Book Bites for Kids is now a LIVE radio show every weekday afternoon at 2:00 (central time) on blogtalkradio.com. Host, Suzanne Lieurance, interviews successful children's writers and/or illustrators and talks to them about their latest books and the world of children's publishing.

Call in to the live show and ask a question or make a comment at 1-646-716-9239 - or listen to the show via your computer at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bookbitesforkids. Shows are recorded and archived and are available at the National Writing for Children Center - http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com - or at blogtalkradio.com - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bookbitesforkids - for download.



If you're a published children's author and would like to be considered as a guest on Book Bites for Kids, send an email to Suzanne Lieurance (Founder, Director, and Coaching Coordinator for The National Writing for Children Center) at suzannelieurance@hotmail.com.

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Maine author Philip Harris has received “The LiFE Award: Literature for Environment” for his newly released book, Raping Louisiana: A Diary of Deceit. A resident of Somerville, Maine, this is Mr. Harris’ fourth published book since the summer of 2006.

Raping Louisiana: A Diary of Deceit (ISBN: 1-59431-495-0 paper, 1-59431-541-8 ebook ) by Philip F. Harris, with Stephen Burgoyne was published by Write Words, Inc. ebooksonthe.net, and Cambridge Books. The book is a non-fictional account of clean-up efforts after the ecological disaster caused in New Orleans and surrounding areas by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This story puts a human face on an area that was raped by nature and then deceived by its government. Based upon the diary of a truck driver by the name of Stephen Burgoyne, we see a first hand account of the daily routine, the challenges and the bureaucratic ineptness that still plagues the residents of Louisiana. Steve tells a story in his diary entries that is far removed from the "official accounts" of government agencies and “spin doctors."

This is Phil's fourth book published since 2006. His third book, Jesus Taught It, Too: The Early Roots Of The Law Of Atraction which was released by Avatar Publication on August 1st. His second novel, A Maine Christmas Carol was released by Cambridge Books late winter, 2007. Phone: 207-549-5339, E-mail: sundiskhermit@yahoo.com

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For a directory of book fairs across the US, see Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s Web site: http://www.carolynhowardjohnson.redenginepress.com/book_fairs,_trad...

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Jamie Beckett’s film contest is underway. There’s still time to enter. Check http://bookfilmcontest.com/ for details.

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Cherie's Burbach's "This I Believe" essay will be featured in an upcoming newsletter for the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters. Her essay remains the second-most popular out of over 31,000 entries on the site. After a year and a half, it has been viewed by more than 36,000 people. Read Cherie’s essay here: http://www.thisibelieve.org/dsp_ShowEssay.php?topessays=25&&...=

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SECOND 'Magical Jewel' contest for ENCHANTING THE LADY

ENCHANTING THE LADY is the first novel in the RELICS OF MERLIN series. Merlin used thirteen different jewels as a focus for thirteen mysterious spells, and the 'magical jewel' in ENCHANTING THE LADY is a pearl. For this second contest, the prize is a double strand Akoya cultured pearl bracelet. (See below for a photo and description of this 'magical' jewel.)

This contest is all about helping to spread the word about my book. To enter, post the following blurb anywhere on the Internet (Err, no inappropriate sites, please. And the blurb cannot have already been mentioned on that site. If you don't own the site, please verify that it's okay with the site owner to post the blurb.)

"The imagination of J.K. Rowling and the romance of Julie Garwood all rolled up into one fabulous novel."~Erin Grady, author of Whispers http://www.KathryneKennedy.com

E-mail the URL link to your post to Kathryne with CONTEST in the subject line. A winner will be randomly chosen from those with a verifiable link. Only one entry per person. Entering the contest automatically signs you up for the author's newsletter. Your information will be kept confidential. Contest ends December 31st, 2007. Void where prohibited by law. You must be 18 years or older to enter. No prize substitution permitted. This contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The RELICS OF MERLIN series from Dorchester Publishing:

ENCHANTING THE LADY~Five Stars! SingleTitles.com & Huntress Reviews~A Perfect 10! Romance Reviews Today~5 Ribbons! Romance Junkies http://www.amazon.com/Enchanting-Lady-Kathryne-Kennedy/dp/0505527502"">http://www.amazon.com/Enchanting-Lady-Kathryne-Kennedy/dp/0505527502

DOUBLE ENCHANTMENT & ENCHANTING THE BEAST~Coming Soon!

Becoming an Author: A Guide for Writers!

Though it can be challenging for authors to have their books read by the masses, it is important not to forget the basics of putting out good books that readers will enjoy or relate to in some form. When authors are published, their books should be presented in a way that makes it easier to market once every word has been type, thoroughly edited and proofread. An author must also find creative and productive ways to capture the attention of an ever distracted reading public. These essential steps will make book promotion a tad simpler for writers who aspire to become authors.

Create a Good Book

What is a good book? Ultimately…that will depend on readers; they will decide what makes a good read. However, it is important for authors to put forth their best work! This means more than checking for grammar, spelling mistakes, or proofreading and editing your work, but making sure that what you put out is artistic, entertaining, thoroughly researched, or adds value to the daily lives of readers in a way they are drawn to each character, or find themselves connected to the story that the author is conveying. If writers create something they don't believe in, then why would any writer expect someone else to believe in something they don't? It is better for authors to care more about creating a good book than seeing their work in print. When that is the case, the likelihood of authors producing quality work increases.

Book Covers

The book cover is the first thing a reader sees. A well designed cover can help an author sell books; as a result, authors should put considerable thought into the type of design they will use for their book covers. Be original. Be innovative. Think of ways to make your cover stand out. After all, your book will be vying for attention among thousands of new releases. It is a good idea to have readers in mind when coming up with ideas for a design. Authors may consider getting feedback from friends, family or associates about their cover design. Authors should not rely exclusively on a publishing company to design their covers without providing some input. Some publishers have published books with less than attractive book covers, or, have given authors complete authority on designing their own covers regardless if the design is appropriate or not. For that reason, aspiring authors must be thorough and deliberate and may want to seek the involvement of others when it comes to creating their book covers.

The Title and Synopsis

The title and synopsis are also very important when it comes to marketing a book. Both the title and synopsis give the reader a brief insight and summary of the book. It may be your one opportunity to impress the reader. A good title and well-written synopsis can capture the interest of avid readers. It can persuade them to purchase a book based solely on the name and description alone. An author’s title should grab the reader’s ear. It should be as distinctive as possible. You don't want to have your book’s title confused with other books with similar titles. Likewise, an author’s synopsis should be a compelling outline that details what your book is about. Having a title and synopsis that stand out from the rest will make marketing your books easier.

Be Innovative

Unknown authors will find it increasingly harder for their books to get notice as more authors become published due to self publishing. This makes it all the more important that authors find innovative ways to promote their books to a broad sector of the public. Authors will have to step out of their comfort zone and take chances by doing some unorthodox style of promoting. Successful author, M.J. Rose explains how she was almost run over in Central Park in New York City, and when a nearby camera crew came over and asked for her name, she told them her name was M. J. Rose, and that she was the author of Lip Service. She could have just mentioned her name and left it at that. But instead, she not only gave them her name, but her title (author) and the name of the book she was promoting at the time. Two days later she was emailed by a book reviewer from a large newspaper who saw her story on the news. Although the author was being interviewed because of the incident in Central Park, she made her own buzz about her novel when she mentioned her book on television. Authors no longer can afford to wait for opportunities; they must create their own.

As an author, your book must stand out in a time when new authors are being published at a greater rate. These guidelines will not only serve to benefit writers who desire to one day see their work in print, but will also put authors on the right path to having a successful marketing campaign. Knowing and implementing these principles will make an author’s life a lot simpler.

Nadia Brown is a freelance writer, poet, and author of the award-winning book, Unscrambled Eggs. Her poetry and articles have appeared in national and international magazines and literary journals. She is also the founder of www.Author-Promotion.com. For more information about her, visit her website at www.nadiabrown.com

Coolcats Techno-question

We have a new columnist for WITS Newsletter. Since many of us are writers who are technically challenged when it comes to the mechanical operation of our blogs and Web sites, I’ve asked Jerry McEwen of Coolcats to answer one question each month posed by a subscriber to WITS newsletter. If you have a technology question you would like answered, please send it to writer@yvonneperry.net. Jerry’s answer will appear in next month’s issue.

WITS Question:

Dear Coolcats, my blog is on my website and I've started to get these weird links coming in. Some are just nothing links to nothing sites....robo-sites or something...another one looks quite normal and then turns into a porno site in its links....I have wordpress...do you know anyway to block these? I'm thinking others must have a similar problem and maybe among your net someone might know and it might be worth sharing. Thanks for listening.

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Coolcat’s Answer: Hello, I'm sorry to hear about your problem.

If you require approval on all comments before they are posted, this will immediately solve the problem of spam appearing on your blog.

To do this, login to your blog and go to OPTIONS > DISCUSSION. The third option is this:

"Before a comment appears: An administrator must always approve the comment."

What if you are already doing that, but you still have a bazillion comments to approve or disapprove and most of them are spam? Or, what if you want anyone to be able to comment without your approval? In the latter case, you could be less drastic and choose the option before that one:

"E-mail me whenever: Anyone posts a comment"

Also, be sure you are running the latest stable (not Beta) version of WordPress. Login to your blog, go to the Dashboard and look to see if there is a message such as this:

“A new version of WordPress is available! Please update now.”

If you see this message, I would download the upgrade, but be sure to read and follow the upgrade instructions. And no matter what the WordPress site tells you, back up your database before you upgrade! No matter how foolproof the upgrade should be, there is always a small chance that things could go horribly wrong, so back up your database!

Last but not least, there are many plugins available for WordPress, some wonderful and some problematic. I would look at spam solutions at http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/ and also
sign up at the forums (http://wordpress.org/support/) to read what others have found that works.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Jerry with Coolcats Creative

The Writing Life: What’s in a Word?

By JJ Murphy

Without words, writing would be just a bunch of squiggles on a page. For most, if not all of us, we have to write many words before we can find the word that communicates exactly what we mean.

There are a number of ways to effectively choose our words including:

1. Tone of Voice. How do you feel about your subject? Are you amused, angry, inspired or something else? The words you choose will shape the tone of your writing.

2. Point of View. This is the way you, your interviewee or your character approach the topic. The beliefs, interests or values will put a different slant on what the reader learns about a topic.

3. What is the Purpose? Are you writing to inform, persuade, entertain, warn or encourage the reader to take action?

4. What is Your Style? The way you choose and put words together will influence your reader. In essence, it’s not what you say, but how you say it. A comic style has different organization and rules than a mystery or a romance.

5. What is the Mood? After reading the work, what does the reader feel? If you want your reader to feel anger, then the words you choose will be different than if you want your reader to feel disgusted, curious or amused.

Words have power in both written and oral communication. Choosing the right word will ensure that the reader gets the writer’s message.

JJ Murphy is a nature writer, blogging hiker, curriculum creator, locavore and tree-hugger currently based in Harriman, NY. Visit http://www.writerbynature.com for more information on JJ's writing services and her favorite places for gear and supplies.

November Poems

The Path I Walk

by Feon Davis

Staring, glaring at the glory of this path Bestoweth upon me the path I walk
It is his glory that has given me such a task
The path I walk is pure,
Yet made stable by God's hands
Staring in spirit there is reflection
A glare of his Holy Spirit waiting at the end
Smiling I look with renewal in Spirit
The path I walk is not even median way
Nor is it done
The path before me is an road of salvation
And an test of my faith
Unlike anyone he directs the path I walk.

Feon Davis (http://www.inthearmsofgod.com) is an inspiring writer and resident of Morehead City, North Carolina. She loves writing compassionate poems, rather Christian, inspirational. She started writing when she was nine years old. Miss Davis has published poems online for all to read along with a series of books, and gift items available for purchase at her site.

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World Peace

by Timothy J. Stewart

World Peace, where did you run and hide When you escaped from Pandorra’s Box?
Millions have tried to find you with no success.
Where are you World Peace?
The game is over - come home.
You keep peeking at us,
Teasing us. Testing us.
Please come home.
Enough have died.
Enough have suffered.
Enough have won and lost.
Where are you?
What will it take to bring you out of hiding?
Will it take another mother losing a another child?
Tell us. We will do
it. We need you.
You hold the answer to the future of our children.
We have tried violence.
We have tried compromise.
We have tried sanctions.
We know you can hear us.
What will it take to bring you home, World Peace?
The silence was deafening.
Then, from a distance, the answer came,
“I am here.
I am trapped within the hearts and minds
Of every mother. Of every mother’s child.
I have tried to come home,
But the locks of hate and pride and jealously have held me.
When ALL hearts and minds open up to one another,
Accept one another,
Praise one another.
Forgive one another.
Love one another.
Then and only then,
Will I be free.
It must start with you.
Do it for the children.
Do it for their mothers.
Do it for World Peace.
You, hold the key.”

Timothy Stewart is the author of a novel being published by Nightengale Press Positive Force—a book that offers teenagers a positive alternative to gang involvement. www.reachforyoredreams.com .

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Take My Hand

There’s a place where teardrops go To lose their memories,
In a land where pain and sorrow can’t survive.
Every heartache knows the way
To pray on bended knees
Til the passion of forgiveness can arrive.
I have felt the winds of chance
Flowing over us
Taking all control of fate from our command.
But I know it’s not too late
If you believe in you and me.
We can make it if you’ll only take my hand.
There are words we can’t take back even
If we wanted to.
There are things that we have done
We can’t undo.
But a future without us is unacceptable.
My life would have no meaning without you.
There’s a place where we can go
To bring back happiness,
Holding all the hope two people can demand.
We can’t find our way alone.
That’s impossible.
We can make it if you’ll only take my hand.

Dennis Martin began writing plays and submitting them to the local playwright’s festival at age 40 years. He has written 13 plays –several of which have been presented as staged readings in the Baltimore Playwright’s Festival. Dennis has written 800 poems and self-published a book of poems titled “Love and Passions” available at www.iuniverse.com and online bookstores as well as 6 poetry collections and 3 novels available at www.lulu.com/dsmartin. Read more about Dennis at http://www.iwritesome.com or blog with him at http://iwritesome.blogspot.com

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Wind Beneath My Wings

His ministers a flaming fire (Psalm 104:4b)

You are the wind beneath my wings Your breath causes me to soar to depths unknown
Depths yet to be explored and consumed
Your breath lifts me to the heights of Heaven through the blueness of the sky
Your breath transports me from the realm of that which is
seen into the corridors of the unseen.
When life’s conflicts and consumption weigh heavily upon my soul and my wings no longer bear the strength to soar-Your breath carries me upon the shores of comfort and love and time cease to unwind
I am in a place of absolute calmness and stillness where the raging tossed storm of life ceases to roar.
Your breath blows gently beneath my wings, I am assured of your awesome power and presence.
Your wind, your breath catapults me through the hallway of time beyond the clear blue sky-
Beyond the distant shore of space and time.
Suddenly I stand in the presence of the Almighty and lo my wings are now flaming fires of loveliness transformed by the breath of the Almighty God.
You are the Wind beneath My Wings

Carla Streeter, songwriter and author has currently written her first book of poetry and exhortations titled DIVINE INSPIRATIONS FROM THE HEART OF GOD (awaiting future publishing) You may view excerpts of her poetry and leave comments on her blog at http://www.myspace.com/carladivineinspirations.

Newsworthy Nuggets from Nightengale Press by Valerie Connelly

THE POWER OF OBSERVATION: A writer’s best friend!

A recent weekend was a writer’s dream for me. Between the details of business meetings, on Friday and Monday, in Nashville TN where our printer, distributors and editors are located, I had the great opportunity to take some time to observe the world at work.

Now, before I paint this visual picture all rosy and happy, let me say right out, as a writer, no matter where I am --- and this is a good thing for you all to practice all the time --- I see the people and events around me as potential fodder for the character/scene/or action event in a book. So, I’m going to share three observations, one very intense, one subtle, and one frustrating to illustrate how writers can take what they see/experience and make it fit into their mental hopper for future reference in a book. This, by the way, is good for fiction writers --- who should already be keen observers of mankind, and for non-fiction writers who look for anecdotal items to illustrate their ideas.

OBSERVATION #1: VERY INTENSE

Sitting quietly in the living room in my daughter’s house, Sunday afternoon, cheese and crackers at the ready as my daughter, son-in-law and I sat down to watch a rented movie, the three dogs were getting nosey about the cheese platter. The younger dog, Ellie, is a female pup without much self-control, and who irritates the oldest dog, a male Beagle named Morris, by just being a pup. The middle dog, female, named Daisy, plays well with Ellie, and tolerates her puppy-ness --- having been a mom herself, Daisy is patient. Morris would rather Ellie would just disappear, and he warns her frequently to stay away. She ignores his warnings.

Do you see where this is going?

So, Morris gets into the corner between the couch and the coffee table to get closer to the cheese. Ellie climbs on top of him --- to dominate the situation and get to the cheese first. Morris growls. Elli ignores him. He growls again, louder, and she retaliates with a nip. He explodes with gnashing of teeth, but, she’s younger, faster, stronger and more aggressive, so Puppy Elli pins Morris and goes for his throat. He’s yowling in his beagle alarm voice. By the time my son-in-law gets Ellie off Morris, he’s bleeding from three places, and Ellie is banished to the crate.

My daughter is crying in fear and anger, Morris is howling in pain, my son-in-law is trying to calm my daughter and I am observing, since I know the dogs and humans wouldn’t listen to me at all in this situation.

The confusion of the fight fades quickly as the concern for Morris’s injuries takes over, and the anger against the now not-so-innocent puppy Ellie sets in. Tension city! In the space of ten seconds a calm, lazy Sunday afternoon is transformed into a frenzy of dogs fighting for dominance and cheese.

Now, in the mind of the writer, all this can be exploded from the real situation (dogs, owners, Sunday afternoon) to a different scenario. Let’s make the scene an outdoor café on a warm sunny afternoon. Let’s make the main characters a man and a woman in love, holding hands, cooing at each other over a table with wine glasses and hors-d’oeuvres. Let’s make the three dogs three young toughs, dressed in gang clothing and staking out the restaurant from across the street. Let’s make the other people in the restaurant get up, having finished their meals, and go inside, while the lovers can see no one but each other. The three tough guys start across the street, nudging and shoving each other to gain dominance. The biggest fellow gains the lead about mid-street, and draws his gun as the other two fan out on either side of him. The lovers notice the thugs, freeze in fright and confusion, as they are now running to jump the barrier into the café in a cloud of violence, leap onto the sidewalk, grabbing the man and shoving his head down into his plate, while another thug grabs the woman, drags her away from the table and holds her captive as she struggles, screaming. The third thug grabs the woman’s purse and throws the now food-covered man to the ground, pulls his watch off, grabs the wallet from his back hip picket, and leaps over the barrier, running toward the alley between the buildings across the street. The other two guys push the woman to the ground, leap over the now fallen barrier and follow the other thug into the shadows of the alley. The woman crawls to her battered lover, and cries over him, trying to call for help between her sobs as the manager of the restaurant rushes to them with his cell phone as he calls 9-1-1.

Result of OBSERVATION: The totally unexpected dog fight in the living room becomes the armed robbery in broad daylight. Of course, there should be dialogue between the thugs, the man and the woman, her cries for help, and such, but I have just sketched the leap from the real event into the fictional event for you here.

OBSERVATION #2: SUBTLE

Subtle things can make for great coloring to the scene, to a character's persona, to the motivation for action. Yesterday's post was about a dog fight and how a writer can change it into a scene of humans behaving like animals. Today, it's about subtlety.

I notice details about people and spaces that stick with me. For example, I noticed that the waitress at a restaurant last week had bleached her hair platinum blond, let the roots grow out just a bit, pulled most of her hair back into a messy twist which she clipped with a clip-comb. But the real details were the two thin, almost wispy braids she had made from hair near the front of the hairdo. They hung down straight along the sides of her face, making her very plump features seem even plumper. I think she may have thought this hairdo was flattering, but it really just screamed "I hate the way I look!" at me. The way she served the food backed up that idea completely. She brought me an iced tea with a R-O-T-T-E-N fat, wedge of lemon hanging on the rim of the glass. Rotten! Moldy, green and white scum flaking into the tea. This gal hadn't even noticed the condition of the lemon wedge, and then, she disappeared --- seemingly never to return. Did she think that lemon might pass along this thought: "I hate myself, and so I'm going to poison you!"

I finally stopped another waitress, showed her the lemon wedge, and asked for the waitress. She just said, "I'll bring you another," and whisked the floppy, slimy lemon hunk away as fast as she could. No apology, but at least she took action.

So, what can the writer do with a memory like that? The braided gal could have been a victim of abuse --- you name the kind --- at an early stage in her life. She clearly hates who she is. By extension, she hates everyone around her as well. So, let's take her back home to the basement studio apartment where she lives. The sink is full of moldy dishes, the floors are filled with trash, the bed is unmade and clothes are strewn around the room. There is a door that leads to the side alley walkway, where the trash cans are stored nearby.

What is in the trash can closest to her door? What is hanging in the closet? How does she spend her time in the evenings? Take this woman down your own imaginary road, and let's see what you develop…I said to a group on an online conference. Here are a couple of the best developments:

Contributor #1

In her trash can: Discarded Twinkie wrappers; an empty McDonalds bag which probably held the supper she grabbed on the way home because she can't stomach the food where she works; a half-gallon chocolate milk container; a scraped clean gallon tub which once held Rocky Road ice cream; several scrunched up straw wrappers she forgot to take out of her pockets before leaving work; balled up tissues all over the floor next to the trash can because her aim stinks; and flies scrounging around the entire mess hoping for a tiny morsel to feast on.



Hanging in her closet: Nothing, because everything is in a pile on the floor. Shoes, dirty laundry that she needed to bring to the laundromat two weeks ago; and somewhat clean clothes, all together in one huge pile, which she bends down and grabs stuff out of when she feels the need to change her clothes or shoes. (I lived with a woman who did this)



Evening Time: She curls up on her worn, living room couch--which often doubles as her bed--to drown her sorrows in twinkies, chocolate milk, and Rocky Road ice cream, while she stews over all the jerks she is forced to associate with at work. All those stuck-up *itches who think they are better than her can stick it. The TV is on so that she can channel surf through Lifetime, Hallmark, and the classic movie stations to find love stories or she reads the latest Harlequin novel. The cushions on the couch have formed into a permanent "U" from the strain of holding up her girth, and the springs which have long since lost their bounciness poke through in a few spots.

Contributor #2

As soon as her shift at the diner was over Glory walked the two blocks to her apartment, fuming because her big fat boss called her Gory all night. Gory! He had no respect for what it took for her to work in that dive. And he threatened to fire her for serving that dumb moldy lemon wedge to that dumb rich customer.

She stopped at the trash can closest to her door, and threw an empty pack of Marlboro cigarettes on top of the mound of stink. Everything in this joint is moldy, she thought. The whole world is turning slimy. No one cares why should I? They let stuff spoil as if they had food to spare. They can’t take a lemon wedge out of their own iced tea! Ha!

She looked at the half a chicken just lying there, bad and stinking. She was surprised the stray cats hadn’t found the chicken. But then cats were smarter than humans, weren’t they. Hers would be waiting for a handful of the dry cat food she kept in her closet.

She closed her door and lit up a butt right away so she wouldn’t smell the stale cigarette smoke accumulation from her three months living there. The black cat came around her ankles. The gray one ran to her closet. If it wasn’t for them….

She opened her closet door and moved the pile of laundry away from the bag of Purina One cat food. The whole pile - thrift store clothes that smelled of their former owners more than they smelled of her. She had one clean outfit for tonight.

Cats fed, Glory composed the letter to her daughter Amy, wrote her address on the envelope and asked the finder to mail it. Then she let the black and the gray cat out, emptied the rest of the cat food into a bowl and put that outside also. At least they'd be free.

It was time. The whole world was a moldy stinky mess. Her fat boss could scratch for a waitress tomorrow. She wouldn’t be here. She looked forward to her freedom.

OBSERVATION #3 FRUSTRATION

As you know, I recently spent four days in Nashville TN. Getting there was a breeze, but my non-stop flight going back was originally supposed to get me to Milwaukee at 5:15pm Monday. After waiting in the airport for two hours to board the non-stop flight to Milwaukee, we had to wait in Nashville on the tarmac till they determined the software that controls the hydraulics was malfunctioning and couldn't be fixed, then after hours in the airport waiting to get on a flight to Chicago/Milwaukee, we spent another hour circling Nashville due to bad weather in Chicago, till we didn't have enough gas to get to Chicago, so we had to go to Indianapolis to refuel. That took more time on the tarmac and then we had to pick up some more stranded passengers, and by the time we got to Chicago we had another 45 minutes in the airport, and finally got to Milwaukee at 11:45pm. BUT---then the shuttle to the remote parking didn't come for 45 minutes, and when I finally was walking through the parking lot, it took another 10 minutes of wandering around to find my car!! (I have a recurring nightmare of not finding my car in parking lots --- this time I thought it was real). By the time I drove home, it was 1:30am. The fact is that I could have driven from Nashville to Milwaukee faster than this flight got me home.

Okay, so the blood boils if frustration is not your strong suit, right? I saw just about every manifestation of frustration one can imagine in the airport and on the plane. People scowled, people laughed in derision, people sighed and smirked, some stomped their feet (children) and others just looked like they wanted to rip the place apart, but they knew better. Those with a sense of humor and a good dose of patience made friends with each other and chatted about everything BUT the way the situation was being handled. Many told stories of other bad trips --- worse really --- and tried to put this one in perspective. But, as we sat on the tarmac in Indianapolis the pilot's voice crackled through the sound system, "We're just going to drive over to another gate [crackle] and pick up a few more stranded folks. [sputter] It shouldn't take too long. We'll get you there in time for your connections..."[Crackle, sputter]

Then, the very large, quiet fellow, whose wife had made a point to talking in detail with me about their Christian lives back in a-church-on-every-corner-Nashville, stood up at his seat and shouted, "How the H*!! do you think you're going to get us to Chicago in time to make our connecting flights?"

Many others murmured in agreement. The tension was rising, and some of the men were fidgeting in their seats, forming fists, and stretching their fingers --- limbering up for what --- a fight?

The flight attendant pointed out that the whole airport had been shut down, and every flight was delayed at least an hour. "We'll get you there. Just have faith."

Somehow that didn't rest too well with the former Marine I was sitting next to. Exhausted, from having waited even longer than I had, irritated and ready to get the delay over one way or another, it occurred to me --- or rather it occurred to my writer mind that he could have gone off on the flight attendant, taking me and the whole planeload of people with him.

Again, addressing the online group, I asked them, “How would he have done that? Any ideas?” Here are the best two replies:

Contributor #1

Biff, the ex-marine, unfastened his seat belt, stood and shouted, "How the H*!! do you think you're going to get us to Chicago in time to make our connecting flights?"

Many others murmured in agreement. The tension was rising, and some of the men were fidgeting in their seats, forming fists, and stretching their fingers --- limbering up for what --- a fight?

The flight attendant approached Biff and pointed out that the whole airport had been shut down, and every flight was delayed at least an hour. "We'll get you there. Just have faith."

Biff’s wife tried to grab hold of his arm as it swung towards the flight attendant’s head. She missed, but Biff didn’t.

The flight attendant fell on top of the nun saying her rosary beads in the seat across the isle from Biff. I heard the soft clacking sound of other seat belts being released as the plane continued along the tarmac to rescue the stranded passengers. The female flight attendant stared in disbelief.

My shout of, “Wait a minute,” made no difference. Men and women stood and shouted their displeasure. The female flight attendant ran toward the cockpit door. The nun took a handkerchief from her habit and held it to the flight attendant’s nose. I stayed in my seat and continued praying where she left off, wanting to stave off a riot and, I imagined, sure ejection of everyone on the airplane. Have faith – have faith.

The nun helped the flight attendant to his feet, and then stood herself. “Yes. Have faith.” Such a loud but steady voice from the diminutive woman. “And sit down – everyone before the captain ejects us!”

Some sat at her command. Others reacted by freezing their bodies, and their tongues.

The captain’s voice boomed, “The seat belt sign is on. I’ve instructed the air marshal to remove anyone not seated when we get to the gate.”

Biff sat clicked his seat belt and gritted his teeth. Divine intervention, I thought. It pays to have faith. But airport delays sure strained mine

Contributor #2

Al stood up at his seat and shouted, "How the H*!! do you think you're going to get us to Chicago in time to make our connecting flights?"

Many others murmured in agreement. The tension was rising, and some of the men were fidgeting in their seats, forming fists, and stretching their fingers --- limbering up for what --- a fight?

The flight attendant pointed out that the whole airport had been shut down, and every flight was delayed at least an hour. "We'll get you there. Just have faith."

He took a step toward the flight attendant. "Let me tell you about faith sister." Spittle formed on his lips and angry red fire rose up his face. "I had faith when our daughter was killed on the way home from the senior prom by some drunk driver.

His hand swiped at the saliva trickling down his chin. "I was told to have faith that the justice system would put that drunken b*st*rd away for good. But he's roaming around free while our daughter is buried in the ground."

"Al don't," pleaded his wife, tugging on his arm. "Sit down."

He shrugged her off. "I don't want to sit down, I want to tell this incompetent fool that I don't give a crap if the entire airport is shut down."

"Sir, I'm sorry," began the flight attendant. "There's nothing we can do."

Al took a few more steps in the flight attendant's direction and his wife struggled to release herself from her seat belt. The clicking of several seatbelts was heard as Al closed the distance between him and the flight attendant whose eyes darted around the cabin.

A bearded man in a tweed jacket slid in between Al and the flight attendant. "Why don't we all calm down?" he said.

The man placed a firm hand on Al's shoulder. "I would like to hear more about your beautiful daughter. I'm sure she was special."

"Darn right she was." Al eyed the man's hand that still rested on him.

The man smiled. "She must have thought you are very special too."

Al shrugged. "I guess."

"Do you think she would want you to act this way? To hurt an innocent person in the same way she was hurt by the carelessness of that driver?"

Al's gaze fell to the floor. His shoulders slumped and he shuffled back to the seat alongside his wife.

"All right everyone," the bearded man said. "Let's let this young woman do her job so that we can get moving as soon as possible."

Everyone sat down and returned to the inane conversations they found so engaging prior to the outburst.

CONCLUSIONS:

Writers rise to the occasion, and when they see something that could become useful, they remove the bonds of limiting thought, open to mental flood gates, and write with interest. You, as a writer, need to try this for yourself, everyday, starting perhaps as an exercise only, but allowing the skills to develop. Do you need someone to evaluate your work? Probably not. You will see the change in your own writing over time, especially if you take the time to look back and the way you have seen the world change through your exploding of reality into fiction. It is fun. It is rewarding, and it can spice up your books.

Jessica Dockter with L.E.E. Design is the graphic designer for the Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services team. As the designer of this newsletter, she is also available to assist you with your graphic design needs, such as:

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