I lost my mom many years ago when I was young. Ever since, the same question lingers and I yearn for an answer. If she could have shared with me - with my brothers - one lesson, one kernel of wisdom, one word of encouragement. The one life lesson she'd want me - us - to know. To live by. What would it be?
So I'm asking you. Every mother, every father, every guardian who has cared for, and been responsible for, the life of another. I am asking you. What would you say if you had only one chance? What pinnacle lesson would you want to imprint on another growing soul?
What echo of wisdom would you want to leave behind?
I hope to honor my mother with this collection of pearls and have it published. I would love to hear your thoughts and the lessons you have learned. If you don't mind your wisdom shared within this book, please send me an e-mail containing your words of advice. wisdomsecho@yahoo.com
Thankyou for taking the time to visit Wisdom's Echo, http://wisdomsecho.blogspot.com and for all the e-mails I hope to receive.
Sincerely,
Mary Karen Meredith
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Character Craft: March Online Writing Workshop
Character Craft
Fascinating, engrossing, compelling, unforgettable, frustrating, hardheaded characters! We love to read about them and, in order to sell our books, we have to write them as well. The Character Craft workshop is designed to be informative, interactive, and enhance your approach to character creation. To do this, we’ll move beyond common character charts and bios to zero in on the unique traits, beliefs, and actions that separate characters that lie flat on the page from those that live in the hearts of readers.
Biography
Kim Louise is a hope-full romantic who still can't believe that she gets paid to do what she loves. She's penned over fifteen novels & novellas, writing for BET Books, Genesis Press, and now Harlequin. She has been a lead author for Kimani Press/Arabesque and 3-time Emma Award finalist. Her novels garner top reviews from Romantic Times Magazine, Romance In Color, and RAWSISTAHZ Book Reviews. Kim’s 2005 presentation at the RWA National Conference on FINDING TIME TO WRITE was selected as one of the top 25 presentations that year. Her novel SWEET LIKE HONEY was a finalist for 2008 African-American Romance of the Year by Romantic Times Magazine
For more information: lpatrice9@aol.com
Friday, February 5, 2010
Just Released Banished Scoundrel
Just wanted to let my friends know I have a new book coming out today.
Blurb:
Known scoundrel Jack Avery must earn the queen's forgiveness by rescuing her missing daughter from the human world. His sources reveal the Princess Noelani is being held by a powerful man who likes a good game of chance. So with twenty borrowed pieces of gold Jack enters the high-stakes game. Only the lady he encounters is no princess. This pretty Kitty makes him want to hear her purr.
Under a memory spell, Kitty recalls nothing before the governor bought her from her parents and offered her protection from those he claims would kill her kind. So what if, in order to control her, he forces Kitty to morph then deprives her of sexual release after transformation. But the crafty card player she is assigned to “entertain” reveals himself as a kindred spirit—a shape shifter—and unravels the lie she’s been forced to live.
Together Jack and Kitty risk it all, for the stakes are high and the prize is worth it...freedom, forgiveness, love.
Purchase the book at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php
Also learn more about my hero Jack, who is off with Dr. Raven.
They are having some fun.
Visit http://theblackraveneroticcafe.blogspot.com/
to see what they are doing.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Anita
www.anitaphilmar.com
Blurb:
Known scoundrel Jack Avery must earn the queen's forgiveness by rescuing her missing daughter from the human world. His sources reveal the Princess Noelani is being held by a powerful man who likes a good game of chance. So with twenty borrowed pieces of gold Jack enters the high-stakes game. Only the lady he encounters is no princess. This pretty Kitty makes him want to hear her purr.
Under a memory spell, Kitty recalls nothing before the governor bought her from her parents and offered her protection from those he claims would kill her kind. So what if, in order to control her, he forces Kitty to morph then deprives her of sexual release after transformation. But the crafty card player she is assigned to “entertain” reveals himself as a kindred spirit—a shape shifter—and unravels the lie she’s been forced to live.
Together Jack and Kitty risk it all, for the stakes are high and the prize is worth it...freedom, forgiveness, love.
Purchase the book at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php
Also learn more about my hero Jack, who is off with Dr. Raven.
They are having some fun.
Visit http://theblackraveneroticcafe.blogspot.com/
to see what they are doing.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Anita
www.anitaphilmar.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
MARCH ONLINE CLASS: ONCE MORE WITH FEELING
Getting Your Book on Keeper Shelves
DATE: March 1 - 31
INSTRUCTOR: CHERYL ST.JOHN
COST: $25.
REGISTRATION VIA PAYPAL: http://cheryl-stjohn-workshop.blogspot.com/
REGISTRATION OPEN IMMEDIATELY
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
We all have favorite books, and for most of us there are a special few that hold places in our hearts. What writer doesn’t want to be able to write stories that will connect so vividly with readers that their books will become favorites? How does a writer go about writing a book like that? How do you connect with the readers on such an emotional level that they buy in for the duration of the story and root for your characters? By making them feel the story. By putting them in the time and place, by winning their trust, and making them believe that the outcome is important. What your story people say and do are not what hooks the reader. How your characters react is what engages and endears your reader.
Cheryl St.John is the award-winning author of more than thirty-five historical and contemporary novels for Harlequin and Silhouette Books. One thing all reviewers and readers agree on regarding her work is the degree of emotion. Words like heart-warming, emotional depth, touches your soul, tugs your heart all over the map, endearing characters and on my keeper shelf are commonly used to describe her work.
Cheryl believes techniques of writing can be learned and offers this workshop to share methods used to inject tone and communicate senses and feelings. She will reveal what she believes is the most important job we have as writers and give practical, applicable suggestions on the many ways you can convey emotion in your stories.
Cheryl will share a checklist of ways to make sure your book is one readers will want on their keeper shelf. Mark your calendars for this workshop, register now, and prepare by getting out a favorite book and reminding yourself why it’s a keeper.
INSTRUCTOR BIO:
Cheryl’s achievements include over thirty-five published books in both contemporary and historical genres. She has received multiple Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Awards and three RITA nominations. In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real life situations.” She has taught writing on local and national levels, and is in demand as a motivational speaker.
Cheryl’s upcoming release, MONTANA ROSE in the To Be a Mother Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical anthology, will be in stores this April.
FORMAT:
The class will be conducted via subscription to a private yahoogroup. Two lessons per week, followed by questions and answers. Each lesson will include one brief assignment pertaining to the participant’s current work in progress. Entire archived class will be available for one week after the ending date.
ENDORSEMENTS:
“I found Cheryl St. John's class on emotions full of insight and wisdom. Her lessons helped me understand what was missing in my story while offering alternative ways to to approach my writing. Cheryl's willingness to share her experience and expertise is greatly appreciated by this aspiring writer.”
- Susan Kapost
“Cheryl’s marvelous understanding of the human condition comes across in her writing and her workshops as well. In Once More with Feeling, I learned how to write characters from the inside out. By the end of her class, I had brand new tools for exposing my characters strengths, vulnerabilities, and greatest desires in a way that leads to strong emotional responses in readers. I highly recommend Cheryl’s class.”
– Kim Louise, Sweet Like Honey, Kimani Press.
DATE: March 1 - 31
INSTRUCTOR: CHERYL ST.JOHN
COST: $25.
REGISTRATION VIA PAYPAL: http://cheryl-stjohn-workshop.blogspot.com/
REGISTRATION OPEN IMMEDIATELY
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
We all have favorite books, and for most of us there are a special few that hold places in our hearts. What writer doesn’t want to be able to write stories that will connect so vividly with readers that their books will become favorites? How does a writer go about writing a book like that? How do you connect with the readers on such an emotional level that they buy in for the duration of the story and root for your characters? By making them feel the story. By putting them in the time and place, by winning their trust, and making them believe that the outcome is important. What your story people say and do are not what hooks the reader. How your characters react is what engages and endears your reader.
Cheryl St.John is the award-winning author of more than thirty-five historical and contemporary novels for Harlequin and Silhouette Books. One thing all reviewers and readers agree on regarding her work is the degree of emotion. Words like heart-warming, emotional depth, touches your soul, tugs your heart all over the map, endearing characters and on my keeper shelf are commonly used to describe her work.
Cheryl believes techniques of writing can be learned and offers this workshop to share methods used to inject tone and communicate senses and feelings. She will reveal what she believes is the most important job we have as writers and give practical, applicable suggestions on the many ways you can convey emotion in your stories.
Cheryl will share a checklist of ways to make sure your book is one readers will want on their keeper shelf. Mark your calendars for this workshop, register now, and prepare by getting out a favorite book and reminding yourself why it’s a keeper.
INSTRUCTOR BIO:
Cheryl’s achievements include over thirty-five published books in both contemporary and historical genres. She has received multiple Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Awards and three RITA nominations. In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real life situations.” She has taught writing on local and national levels, and is in demand as a motivational speaker.
Cheryl’s upcoming release, MONTANA ROSE in the To Be a Mother Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical anthology, will be in stores this April.
FORMAT:
The class will be conducted via subscription to a private yahoogroup. Two lessons per week, followed by questions and answers. Each lesson will include one brief assignment pertaining to the participant’s current work in progress. Entire archived class will be available for one week after the ending date.
ENDORSEMENTS:
“I found Cheryl St. John's class on emotions full of insight and wisdom. Her lessons helped me understand what was missing in my story while offering alternative ways to to approach my writing. Cheryl's willingness to share her experience and expertise is greatly appreciated by this aspiring writer.”
- Susan Kapost
“Cheryl’s marvelous understanding of the human condition comes across in her writing and her workshops as well. In Once More with Feeling, I learned how to write characters from the inside out. By the end of her class, I had brand new tools for exposing my characters strengths, vulnerabilities, and greatest desires in a way that leads to strong emotional responses in readers. I highly recommend Cheryl’s class.”
– Kim Louise, Sweet Like Honey, Kimani Press.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Working the Muddle Out of Your Middle
FEBRUARY ONLINE CLASS: Working the Muddle Out of Your Middle
Cheryl St.John
DATE: February 1-28
COST: $25.
REGISTRATION VIA PAYPAL: http://cheryl-stjohn-workshop.blogspot.com/
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
It happens to everyone at some time or another--that muddle when you reach the middle of a book. Ever lost energy and drive? Ever thought you didn't have enough story? Ever panicked because you had too much story? Most of us know what it's like to stall out, but there are steps you can take to keep your story moving forward.
Every writer needs to know that just because a certain scene or chapter or book is difficult to write, your talent has not deserted you. There are techniques that will carry you across that difficult stretch more effectively.
In Cheryl St.John's workshop, WORKING THE MUDDLE OUT OF YOUR MIDDLE, she will offer suggestions on how to focus during this challenging stage of the story. After over thirty published books, she knows each book will be a different challenge and that not one solution will always help. She'll show you how to come against destructive self-doubt. Returning to the first love of what excited you about the story is a big part of moving forward, and she will share exercises on how to jump start your creativity. Writers who've taken this workshop come away with fresh ideas and inspiration.
Topics addressed:
* frustration and lack of confidence
* defining the middle
* intuition and first love
* plot points
* tension
* focus
INSTRUCTOR BIO:
Among her achievements, which include over thirty-five published books in both contemporary and historical genres, Cheryl St.John has received multiple Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Awards and three RITA nominations. In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real life situations.” She has taught writing on local and national levels, and is in demand as a motivational speaker.
FORMAT:
The class will be conducted via subscription to a private yahoogroup. Two lessons per week, after which you're encouraged to post questions. Most lessons will include a brief exercise pertaining to the participant’s current work in progress. Entire archived class will be available for one week after the ending date.
Cheryl St.John
DATE: February 1-28
COST: $25.
REGISTRATION VIA PAYPAL: http://cheryl-stjohn-workshop.blogspot.com/
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
It happens to everyone at some time or another--that muddle when you reach the middle of a book. Ever lost energy and drive? Ever thought you didn't have enough story? Ever panicked because you had too much story? Most of us know what it's like to stall out, but there are steps you can take to keep your story moving forward.
Every writer needs to know that just because a certain scene or chapter or book is difficult to write, your talent has not deserted you. There are techniques that will carry you across that difficult stretch more effectively.
In Cheryl St.John's workshop, WORKING THE MUDDLE OUT OF YOUR MIDDLE, she will offer suggestions on how to focus during this challenging stage of the story. After over thirty published books, she knows each book will be a different challenge and that not one solution will always help. She'll show you how to come against destructive self-doubt. Returning to the first love of what excited you about the story is a big part of moving forward, and she will share exercises on how to jump start your creativity. Writers who've taken this workshop come away with fresh ideas and inspiration.
Topics addressed:
* frustration and lack of confidence
* defining the middle
* intuition and first love
* plot points
* tension
* focus
INSTRUCTOR BIO:
Among her achievements, which include over thirty-five published books in both contemporary and historical genres, Cheryl St.John has received multiple Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Awards and three RITA nominations. In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real life situations.” She has taught writing on local and national levels, and is in demand as a motivational speaker.
FORMAT:
The class will be conducted via subscription to a private yahoogroup. Two lessons per week, after which you're encouraged to post questions. Most lessons will include a brief exercise pertaining to the participant’s current work in progress. Entire archived class will be available for one week after the ending date.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
THE GREAT PAPER PURGE
As writers, we have to deal with more than our share of paper.
Take a few minutes right now to sign-up to receive your bank statements by email instead of by the post office. Next, set up automatic bill pay so that regularly occurring expenses will be deducted from your checking account without having to write a check and mailing the bill. Most utilities, credit card and mortgage companies offer this service for free. To keep track of scheduled payments, check out Quicken Online. It’s simple to use – and FREE.
By cutting down on unnecessary paper clutter, you’ll have more time to get your words down on some pages of your own.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Super Librarian Selects The Harvey Girls
Blogger Bundle Volume III: Super Librarian Selects The Harvey Girls
Meet the women who civilized the American West in this bundle hand-picked by Wendy the Super Librarian! Though their pasts may be filled with trials and tribulations, these Harvey Girls still have big dreams of a better life. Falling in love wasn't on the menu, until happily ever after came walking through the door. Bundle includes The Doctor's Wife, The Lawman's Bride, and The Preacher's Daughter by Cheryl St. John.
Wendy said:
Cheryl St.John is my favorite Harlequin Historical author, and her Harvey Girls trilogy is a wonderful illustration of why. In an era before dining cars, weary train passengers relied on Harvey House restaurants to feed them along their journey. They were served by Harvey Girls, young ladies in crisp uniforms who jumped at the chance for adventure, a respectable job and a decent wage. I like to think that St.John’s fictitious Harvey Girls are not all that different from their real-life counterparts. Women who have seen hard times but are determined to make better lives for themselves and their families.
What I especially love about Cheryl St.John’s stories is that while her characters have gone through their personal trials, they never give up. They continue to move forward, put one foot in front of the other and strive toward a better life. It is an amiable quality in any human being, and even better in a romance novel, making the happily-ever-after all the more sweeter for the characters and the readers.
Whether you are already a fan of Cheryl St.John, or a first-time reader, I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I do.
Happy reading,
Wendy the Super Librarian
Visit Wendy's Super Blog: http://super_librarian.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Goals--Dreams into Reality
You hear lots of folks talking about turning your dreams into reality. And you wonder how to do that. Easy--set goals!
There's so many good articles about goals and goal setting that all you need do is Google, Bing, (or whatever search engine you use) and you'll be overwhelmed with great information. I don't profess to be an expert on goals or setting them. But I do love to cheer everyone on as they work toward their personal goals. That said, I'm not going to go into all the ins and outs of setting goals, but just give you a few brief thoughts and ideas.
So, what is the difference between dreams and goals? Dreams is what you yearn for--and goals are how we get there. Goals are more than just a list of resolutions like many of us make at the beginning of a new year. A good goal must be measurable and attainable. And to be a success at goals, you should combine both long term and short term goals.
The long term goal of completing a manuscript and submitting it can seem huge and perhaps impossible. However, if you break the goal down into smaller, short term goals, conquering each one will bring you one step closer. Such short term goals could include completing character studies, writing a synopsis, writing 10 pages a week, taking a class on a pertinent subject, querying editors and agents. Can you see how each one of these will bring you closer to your big goal? And can you see how each one is measurable? You'll know when you complete each step. Short term goals are often measured by output--like the number of pages per day or queries submitted. And they usually have a shorter time frame (for example, pages per week).
Now you're closer to completing your long term goal and achieving your dream. Yep, these are still two entirely different things. Your goal of completing a manuscript and submitting it are achieved. Strike up the band and have a party! A vast majority of folks never make it this far!
But publication is my goal, you say. Nope, that's still just a dream. Why? Because you have no control over what an editor thinks or what a publishing house is looking for. A long term goal usually ends in a result--such as publication.
One great thing about goals is that they are not set in stone. You're not gonna look like Marley from A Christmas Carol wrapped forever in chains of goals you don't meet. Heck, if you discover your short term goals aren't moving you toward results--change them! In fact, it's important to reevaluate your goals frequently. What you thought was important and achievable last month may not be today. Something you may not have considered part of your dream may suddenly seem attainable. So change your goals rather than dumping them into the river and watching them sink. Interests change, the market changes, dreams change, your skills change...get the idea?
Beyond finishing a manuscript and submitting it, what do I think would make a great goal for each and every one of you reading this? Easy. Long term goal: Make writing a priority in your life. Take a long, hard look at how and where you fit in writing. What can you do to improve in your craft? Cheryl St. John picks one writing related concept and works on that for a year. Measurable? Yes. Attainable? Yes. and moves her toward a long term goal of increased aptitude in the craft of writing. Be honest with yourself and make an advance plan on how you'll handle all those little things that get in the way. And there's gonna be a lot of them. Unless you live a charmed writer's life. If so... pass on the secret!
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