Attitude is Everything

Have you heard that "attitude is everything?"

Ever want to punch the person who said it to you? ;-)

However irritating this full-of-sunshine little phrase, it's true.

I find myself, on this first day of the year, reevaluating my goals and setting paths to achieve them. Yes, I am an ambitious woman by nature. There's a difference this year, though. I am now a returning college student with a major in English and an emphasis on creative writing.

The University of Arkansas' English/creative writing program is ranked among the top 10 in the United States, so I am hyped to be part of their organization. I still have two years before finishing with my BA.

But, completing my education is paramount to future job prospects. I also think it will add credence when I pitch my novels to agents and editors. Really, when has an education ever HARMED anyone?

New experiences await in the coming year, and I'm primed to meet them. Some will be wonderful. Others, heart-wrenching. I already know this. But, I'll greet each with the same attitude -

I'm ready, and by God, my life will be full of rich experiences, published articles, and new information.

C'mon. Join me. 2008 awaits.

Good Reference Book

I thought I'd share a great book I recently bought. It's called Final Exits and is written by Michael Largo. It would be helpful for writers of thrillers, mysteries, and similar.

It's the illustrated encyclopedia of how we die. Retails for $15.95, and it reveals the truth behind kicking the bucket. ;-)

This is a true sourcebook on the ways we die.

Yes, it's a touchy subject. But, Mr. Largo covers things in very interesting ways! Thumb through it the next time you're in a bookstore.

Quotes to Consider for 2008

Hello, friends! So sorry I've neglected this blog. Last post was September? Lord, I'm ashamed.
Want some cool quotes to consider for this new year? Here are a few of my faves:

"We are here on earth to fart around and don't let anyone tell you any different."
-Kurt Vonnegut

"If you try to preserve the past, you will not be able to produce the future."
-Alan Greenspan

"When I am writing, I know I'm doing the thing I was born to do."
-Logan Pearsall Smith

"Loafing is the most productive part of a writer's life."
-James Norman Hall

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but working through the fear to reach the desired goal."
-Lea Milford

"Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is."
-Mark Twain

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."
-Walt Disney

Happy New Year!!

Need Some Inspiration?

Here are a few uplifting quotes. They make you "think."

Your potential -

"The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving." - Albert Einstein

Procrastination -

"Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there." -Will Rogers

"You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do." -Henry Ford

"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." –John A. Shedd

"If you want your dreams to come true, get out of bed." -Unknown

Writers (or wannabe writers), join me!

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New Contest & Anthology

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Are you ready for fall?
The holidays are approaching and I'm in the mood to enter a few contests. Must be the anticipation of fresh, cool air and bright orange pumpkins that boost my energy (not to mention that I LOVE Halloween)

This particular contest is sponsored by writers/editors I know very well and recommend. So, enter with confidence.

Short Story Contest
Voices - An Anthology of Short Stories - Volume One

Contest Guidelines:
**$200.00 and publication awarded for best short story. A guaranteed twenty-fiveother winners will be published in the anthology.
*Short stories only, up to 3,000 words. No essays or poetry
*Standard manuscript format. Mail two copies of each story, along with your entry fee, to: Voices, P.O. Box 9076 Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703. You may enter as many times as you like, but each entry must be accompanied by a $10.00 entry fee. No SASE required. Manuscripts will be destroyed after contest.
*Include a cover letter with all contact information and a fifty-word bio.
* All genres, except erotica. No gratuitous foul language, violence, or gore.
*By submitting to this contest, you are giving permission to publish your work in Voices, An Anthology of Short Stories, Volume One. No other contract will be required.
*Initial deadline for entries: December 31, 2007. Winners will be notified 30 days after submissions close.
*Hint from the editors: "We're looking for good stories with a well-defined voice.

For more info, contact louturn@aol.com

Need a laugh today?

Two hunters were in the Arkansas woods when one of them falls to the ground. He doesn't seem to be breathing. The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls emergency services.

"My friend is dead. What can I do?"

"Take it easy," she says. "I can help. First let's make sure he's dead."

There is silence, then a shot is heard.
The guy's voice comes back on the line. "Ok, now what?"

Limerick Time!

Can you write a limerick? If so, check out the link below for a contest:
http://www.localmouth.com/home/view/local_limerick_awards

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