Rocketing to fame: local launch and presentations

A huge shout out to Dianna Graveman who photographed our multi-author Chicken Soup for the Soul panel presentation on Monday evening at Kisker Road Library in St. Charles, MO.

She and her husband and co author, Don, will be signing their new release at Main Street Books Saturday, March 26th from 2-4 p.m. Their book includes photos and pertinent information about local residents. It is sure to be a hit with anyone interested in St. Charles and its history. Stop by Saturday to pick up a copy and say hello to our famous hometown authors.

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL PANEL PRESENTATION  

Donna Volkenannt, Linda O'Connell, Sherri Stanzyk, Pat Wahler, Sioux Roslawski, and Cathi LaMarche (not pictured) have published 70 plus stories in numerous Chicken Soup for the Soul books. They have all participated in book signings and panel presentations to promote their work.

It was inspiring to listen to how each of us found our ways into Chicken Soup for the Soul books. 

In 1999 I saw an article in our neighborhood newspaper seeking gardening stories for Chicken Soup for the Gardener's Soul. I have the blackest thumb, ever, and I even mess up when I try to help Mother Nature take care of her rooted-to-the-earth babies.

I was definitely not a gardener, and had nothing to contribute. Then I got to thinking. I had an experience they might consider, and it was about a flower. A long shot, I admit, but I was willing to take the chance. Read my first published Chicken Soup for the Soul story here. http://www.chickensoup.com/book-story/31853/14-the-golden-girls

  Click on the story to read it in its entirety.

Did I ever tell you about the time...

I still get a flush thinking about how embarrassing it could have been at the book launch party when Dianna Graveman and I released and promoted Not Your Mother's Book...On Family, and Not Your Mother's Book...On Being a Mom, (Publishing Syndicate).

I was so nervous and excited as we greeted patrons outside StL Books in Kirkwood, MO, I wanted to raise my arm pits to the gentle evening breeze on July 15th. But, I didn't. Like Anne Lamott, I must have lipstick on. I discreetly reapplied frequently, then stuffed the tube back into my teeny tiny sweater pocket.

At the specified time, we invited everyone indoors for a raffle and readings. I stood at the entrance, and as the throng proceeded into the small bookstore I smiled, nodded, greeted; repeated...and then I felt it! Panic set in, and I almost lost it (literally). I saw Lynn's adult daughter, Jessica, making her way through the line and mouthed HELP ME? I hugged her as if we were old friends, even though I'd only met her recently. She looked surprised when I leaned in and whispered in her ear.

"Please, do me a favor. Bend down and retrieve my cellphone which has been making its way from my waist inside my slacks, and is traveling down my leg. It's almost at my ankle, and will be exiting at any minute."

She laughed, and without missing a stride, bent down, grabbed my phone and handed it to me. I owe that young lady a latte`.


StL Books in Kirkwood, on the corner of Kirkwood Road and W. Jefferson, has Not Your Mother's Books available, so if you are looking for a gift, want to chuckle at the humorous collections of short stories, or would like to support local authors, please stop in, purchase a book or two and say hello to Robin and her family. Tell them Linda and Dianna sent you.

Oh What a Night!

Not Your Mother's Book...On Family 

Not Your Mother's Book...On Being a Mom
Publishing Syndicate, Ken and Dahlynn McKowen (2014)

 

Dianna Graveman and I had a very successful double book launch party at STL Books at

100 W. Jefferson in Kirkwood, MO. This intimate little walking community boasts everything from beautiful Victorian homes to new houses. One of the most famous structures is the Magic House, a renowned children's museum housed in a refurbished historical mansion. 

 

Kirkwood is progressive and contemporary, a blending of old and new, young and young at heart, and it has that small town feel. There are indie business and many restaurants. It is a family friendly town with outdoor farmer's market and much more. I encourage everyone to visit.

 

Thank you Dianna for your continuous support!

 

Thank you, Robin Theiss (below) for hosting our event. We sold so many books and also raised money for The Family Resource Center. 10% of all sales that night was donated to the worthy cause.

 

Contributors each wore a corsage. They also received a STL Books note pad and participated in a drawing for a basket and an attendance prize. 

 

Refreshments included sweet, salty and savory snacks, wine and soda.

 

Dianna and I gathered with some of the contributors:

Laura Graf, Cathi LaMarche, Sioux Roslawski, Tammy Goodsell. Where are you Jean Whatley, author of Off The Leash?

 

We had a huge turnout in a very small bookstore. We were elbow to elbow. I counted fifty indoors,

but because our party overflowed to outdoors, we probably had about 75-100 in attendance.

 

Jenny Beatrice (left) read her humorous story from the Mom's book. She brought her sisters,  

the wonderful NUNS from St. Joseph's of Carondelet.

 

 Melissa Fouss (below) read her very funny story about her mom and the Hell's Angels. Sioux Roslawski and Renee Hughes also read.  Laughter and applause rang out!

 

 

Alvin Reid, local award winning journalist and public television personality on Donny Brook, who debates current events on Channel 9, hammed it up with Kimberly Curran Cole, who put her kids to bed at 8, left them with hubby, and drove all the way from O'Fallon to support us. She arrived just before closing. What a friend!

 Thanks to Ron Theiss (far right corner) co owner of STL Books for tending bar, and thanks to Linda and store manager, Erin, and Sam for EVERTHING!

 

We left a few books on consignment, so if you didn't get a chance to stop by, drop in and purchase one or both of these funny books, and be sure to say hello to Robin and staff.

 

Contributors in attendance:

Candace Carabus, Cathi R. Lamarche, Donna Volkenannt, Ellie Grossman, Jenny Beatrice, Laura Graf, Marcia Gaye, Mary Horner, Patricia Wahler, Renee Hughes, Sioux Roslawski, T'Mara goodsell, Sheree Nielsen, Jamie Krakover, Lynn Obermoeller, Lauara Ray, Verna Simms, Melissa Fuoss, Victoria Nichols, Dianna Graveman, Linda O'Connell

How do I do it?

Please stop by Debora Rorvig's blog at the link below. Scroll down her blog a little bit and read her right sidebar: I am

When I first read that, it touched me very deeply. I encourage all of you to do an "I AM" of your own.

http://thingsthatarelovely.blogspot.com/

Readers, I'd like to thank all of you who nominated me as the next person to reveal something about myself as a writer. I also need to apologize for not doing this sooner and for turning some of you down. The writing life for me is wild-crazy at the moment, not to mention preschool.

What are you working on right now?
I am doing a final edit on the book above. Not Your Mother's Book...On Family has been a labor of love. Its release date will be June 10th. I am a co-creator of this anthology which means I aided publishers and owners of Publishing Syndicate, Ken and Dahlynn McKowen on the selection, and layout of stories. I was one of many editors who looked over the book. The publishers had final say, of course. I am busy setting up book signings and preparing for a launch along with Dianna Graveman who is co-creator of Not Your Mother's Book...on Being a Mom.

I would also like to do a book signing for the Chicken Soup Alzheimer's and Other Dementias book. If anyone has contacts, please let me know. Proceeds to benefit the Alzheimer's foundation.

I am also editing a book length manuscript for a writer. It is a fun read because I recognize some of the "fictional" characters in our community. No, I cannot reveal any details.

I am trying to meet April 15th deadlines for freelance opportunities, and I am also trying to keep up with blog posts.

How does my work differ from others in the genre?
I am a multi genre writer but I write mostly creative non-fiction and personal essay. I write from my heart with the intent to engage the reader using sensory details and life-like dialogue. I touch on human emotion and write slice of life vignettes. I try to add a dash of humor and use metaphor to address an issue.

I write and release, knowing some of my stories will fill a niche while others will not be considered for a particular publication. Rejection only means recycling for me.

Why do I write what I do?
I write to touch others. I write because I want to share my experiences. I keep my circus drama and monkeys to myself, but in everyone's life a few clown's must come, so I often bare my soul to connect with the reader. The broad range of human emotion has touched all of us. I want my work to be relatable.

How does my writing process work?
I write best under pressure. Today was the deadline for an assigned six page article. I tackled it last night and put the finishing touches on it a few minutes ago. That's how I operate. I edit as I go and then lay my work aside for a few hours, or a day, and I come back and edit again.

I do not write everyday, but when I do write, I write intensely.  I go like gangbusters in January. Typically I submit anywhere from 15-20 pieces in January.

Then, reality hits me. I try to send out at least five submissions per month. That is my personal quota, although I have submitted more in spring, and less in fall when I am returning to a new school year.

I wake early, around 5:00, peruse the internet for writing markets and sometimes get lost on social media. If I see a particular call out  that appeals to me, I will begin right away. I may only write a sentence or jot an idea and allow it to germinate into a story. But it is right there on my desk top beckoning me to add details.

I do not like writing on command, and I find it difficult to write in workshops and produce something in fifteen minutes. I need to think it through, find a direction, and then follow the path it takes me. Sometimes I surprise myself.

I am passing this on to anyone who wishes to participate. Please link to my blog if you do. I would appreciate it.



 

Anne Lamott...telling it the way it is and was

Local writer, Sioux and I had an up close visit with author, Anne Lamott and Sam, her gorgeous twenty-two year old son who co-authored her latest book, Some Assembly Required: A Journal of my Son's First Son. I was as close as the second row, aisle seat, direct line of eye contact with the mother of all mothers, writer of all writers. Anne and Sam read excerpts and shared family and parenting antecdotes.

Sam read about being anxious for his son's umbilical cord to fall off, and when it did, he thought Jax's guts were exposed and he needed immediate surgery. Actually, his navel was still gooey. The audience laughed loud and long.

Anne is such a real person, as vulnerable and humble a writer as you and I. She's a Nana who admits she has some control issues, but she is trying. She told us how her unmarried nineteen year old son had told her he'd offered his couch to a young woman. "Couch, uh-huh, (Sam actually blushed) and now I have a two and a half year old grandson."

Parenting, writing, living, loving, learning, day by day, one moment at a time; looking back, looking forward, doing our best ... their messages were honest, humorous, meaningful, spiritual and powerful. They spoke from the heart about being a family. They are on Twitter @annelamott and @SAMLAMOTT (all caps).

Are you willing to share your family stories?
Publishing Syndicate has thirty-five anthology titles in development. I am co-creating, Not Your Mother's Book...On Family. Dianna Graveman, is co-creating two NYMB anthologies: Not Your Mother's Book...On Being a Mom, and Not Your Mother's Book...On Becoming a Mom. The stories are arriving daily.

Who doesn’t have a slew of great stories to share when it comes to their family? From funny family stories handed down through the generations to more current happenings that will one day turn into family legend, we want to hear them all. No holds barred.

Tentative Chapter Titles:

• I'm No Chicken! (wild antics)

• I'm Telling! You're in Trouble! (zany things you overheard, participated in or
witnessed)

• Dinner, down and dirty (stirring the pot, dishing it out, family mealtime)

• Forget the closet! (discovering family skeletons in a drawer, under a mattress, in
a letter)

• I inherited what? (keepsakes, antiques and quirks)

• Waiting in line for the john, the jam and the juice (sharing cramped spaces,
clothes)

• Ringleaders (your family circus guru, leader of your pack)

• Family reunions (unforgettable in so many ways; the missing link)

If you have other topic ideas, please send a first person essay. Submission guidelines

You know your sibling would tell on you! Beat him or her to the punch. Do you have a flaky relative?

Expectant mothers, tell us about your experiences. Shhh, I'll share one about me. My water broke, filled my blue suede shoes and when the doctor came in, he gasped when he saw me on the delivery table with dyed blue feet.

All you moms out there, I know that you have tales to tell. Your kids spilled the milk, now you can spill the goods. What made you laugh, cringe, gasp or cry?

Sam? Sam who?

It has been a rainy afternoon, one of those days when you want to go get a pizza, munch a brownie, and then take a nap. I am not admitting to doing any of this. The scale will reveal the truth on Sunday.

I fell asleep before the end of Jeopardy and woke up as the evening news was going off. Ninety minutes of repeated negativity. The nap was better, but it left me with half a brain.

The phone rang. Hubby said, "I'm meeting Robin at Sam's."

I asked, "Who is that?"

"Robin, my daughter. Are you awake?"

"Yes! I know who Robin is, but who is SAM?'

"Sam's Club."

"Ohhh! Okay."

I thought a cup of black coffee (and another bite of brownie) might jog the gray matter. I sat down at the computer and clicked the PASSWORD space. I waited and I clicked; I waited, clicked again, and I nibbled and I drank, and I mumbled, and I finally said, "What is wrong with you, dumb computer?"

What was wrong was the dumb computer operator hadn't ENTERED her password, just kept clicking the word, PASSWORD.

Another day in Linda's Looney World!

In all fairness, I needed that nap. I taught preschool today, and I wrote and submitted two stories, and I spent a couple of hours working on the anthology that I am co-creating for Publishing Syndicate. I hope that Dianna Graveman, who is the co-creator of two of the Not Your Mother's Books had a restful afternoon, too.

Please consider submitting your stories to an anthology I am co-creating, Not Your Mother's Book...On Family, and also send your first person stories to Not Your Mother's Book...On Being a Mom, and Not Your Mother's Book...On Moms-to-Be.

Guidelines for submitting through the website to more than thirty titles in development:
http://publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/nymb_submit_guidelines.html

Married Life

So excited and I just can't hide it! My story, The Odd Couple, made the final cut and will be published in Chicken Soup Married Life! in June 2012.

Being married isn't any easier for the husband than it is for the wife. Sometimes it's like using a spoon to feed jelly beans to this small-mouthed Cookie Monster.

Best of intentions can go awry. It takes practice to achieve success. And sometimes you have to ask for a do over, just like these kids in my class.


Couples don't always speak the same language, and even when they do, interpretation can be misconstrued, because they don't always convey what they really mean. Partners are not mind readers, although ... some wives always seem to know what their husbands are thinking.

Communication is the key to all relationships. Be careful what spills out of your mouth when you are talking, and be concise when spilling words onto paper.

PUBLISHING OPPORTUNITY Submission period open for Not Your Mother's Book...On Family, that I am co-creating.
Dianna Graveman is also co-creating two of the anthologies: Not Your Mother's Book...On Being a Mom, and also Not Your Mother's Book...On Moms-to-Be. Submission form and guidelines for stories can be found here:
http://publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/nymb_submit_guidelines.html
There are more than thirty titles in development. Please pass the word along to anyone who might be interested. Won't you send your stories too?

SUBMISSION OPPORTUNITIES thirty titles!

The news is out! St. Louis writers, Linda O’Connell and Dianna Graveman are working independently on two Publishing Syndicate anthologies in the Not Your Mother’s Book series. Linda is developing and seeking sassy, snappy, serious or humorous submissions for Not Your Mother’s Book…On Family.

Local author and owner of 2 Rivers Communications & Design, Dianna Graveman, is seeking first-person funny, insightful, or downright embarrassing submissions for Not Your Mother’s Book…On Being a Mom.

Dianna and Linda will collaborate on the promotion of both titles, and you are welcome to submit to both. Please submit the stories online via the online form only.

Possible Chapter Headings for Not Your Mother's Book...On Family (subject to change):
1. I'm No Chicken! (wild antics)
2. I'm Telling! You're in Trouble! (zany things you overheard, participated in or witnessed)
3. Dinner, down and dirty (stirring the pot, dishing it out, family mealtime)
4. Forget the closet! (discovering family skeletons in a drawer, under a mattress, in a letter)
5. I inherited what? (keepsakes, antiques, and quirks)
6. Waiting in line for the john, the jam and the juice (sharing cramped spaces, clothes)
7. Ringleaders (your family circus guru, leader of your pack)
8. Family reunions (unforgettable in so many ways; the missing link)

Submissions form and guidelines for story submissions can be found here:http://publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/nymb_submit_guidelines.html
NOTE: If you don’t have a story that fits one of our two books, please check out the other great titles that are in need of stories!

From the Publishing Syndicate site about Not Your Mother’s Book…On Being a Mom:
While we’re looking for stories about the side of motherhood most of us have experienced or seen first hand, we would love to read stories about the side that most of us don’t talk about because it’s too embarrassing or silly! No need to explain: you know what we’re talking about. Now write about it!

Possible Chapter Headings for Not Your Mother’s Book…On Being a Mom (subject to change):
1. Challenge Accepted (getting the news, announcing to family)
2. New Parent Jitters (silly fears, bath time mishaps, babysitter debacles)
3. Call of the Wild (terrible twos, troublesome threes…)
4. OMG, How Embarrassing! (times when you’ve embarrassed your kids in public…or they’ve embarrassed you!)
5. If Everybody Else Jumped Off a Bridge… (Not under MY roof, mister!)
6. You Can’t Scare Me; I’m a Mom (mealtime mishaps, carpool catastrophes, clothing disputes and malfunctions, soccer mom disasters)
7. Birds Do It… (having “the talk,” noticing the opposite gender, beginning to date)
8. You Did WHAT? (testing the limits, parent-teacher conferences, teen shenanigans)
9. Driving Mom Crazy (teaching your teen to drive, getting the license, when your teen borrows—and dents—Mom’s or Dad’s car
10. Parting Words (helping your child prepare for college, first apartment, marriage

Ken and Dahlynn McKowen, owners of Publishing Syndicate, also produce a free monthly writing/publishing tips e-newsletter—The Wow Principles. With more than 2,000writers already subscribed, the e-newsletter has helped many to realize their dreams of becoming a published writer. There are also 70+ back issues available and topics range from travel writing to basic grammar rules to e-books to book-signing etiquette. Here’s the link:
http://publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/newsletters/wow_newsletter.html

Chicken Soup for the Soul book signing in St. Charles, MO

Our third annual Chicken Soup for the Soul booksigning/Canned Food for the Body food drive was a huge success. T'Mara Goodsell, Theresa Sanders, Linda O'Connell, Cathi LaMarche gathered at Main Street Books in St. Charles, MO. Vicki Erwin, proprietor.

The Christmas Festival and parade were an added attraction for visitors who flock to this quaint little historic river town during December to browse the independent shops and purchase from local merchants and crafters. Thanks to Dianna Graveman, Lynn Obermoeller, and Sioux Roslawski, fellow writers who came to support us.

Jack frost was nipping at my nose, and I was in a hurry to return to my car. I had to stop in my tracks at dusk and take a picture of this gorgeous tree.

This lovely angel was a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

Right out of Charles Dicken's novel, walking directly towards me, came characters portraying Bob Cratchit and little Tiny Tim hobbling with his homemade crutch.

This young lady represented Sweden where the celebration of Christmas lasts two months beginning with Advent. December 13th is St. Lucia's Day. The eldest girl in
the family wears a white robe and head wreath with lit candles. She serves the family St. Lucia buns (lussekatter) and coffee in bed.

The holidays would not be complete without a visit from the Sugar Plum Fairy.

He does not look like our jolly Old St. Nick, but this is one of the many 'Santas from around the world' who were on hand to greet the children. Perhaps Pere Noel.

Not a one horse open sleigh, but certainly a lovely carriage ride down Main Street listening to the clip-clop of horse hooves on the cobblestone streets and taking in the sights, sounds and aromas of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and Grandma's Cookie shop selling freshly baked saucer sized cookies on the street corner.

There were groups of carolers on every block wearing period clothing singing the traditional Christmas carols in perfect harmony. We wish you a Merry Christmas...

2Rivers Communication & Design

So, you've written your book. Now it's time to edit and proof read. You and your friends may have given your manuscript the eagle eye, but doesn't a professional edit and an author's package sound ideal? How would you like someone in the know to do your indexing, back cover copy, promotions, and walk you through social media and branding?

Dianna Graveman is no stranger to writing, editing and publishing. She has been an elementary school teacher, a college faculty member, editor and outstanding corporate employee.

2 Rivers Communication and Design has been launched. Dianna offers editing and writing services from small scale to large scale projects. She wears so many "hats" it is difficult to keep up with her. Her work ethic is amazing and her diligence astounding. Those who know her can attest. Those of you who don't know Dianna Graveman, please check out 2 Rivers Communication & Design by clicking HERE . Move your cursor across her page and spend a moment of your day getting to know Dianna and the services she offers. Stop by her Facebook Page and LIKE it. Let's help this small business owner get her business off the ground. Pass the word on to others, please.

Share and share alike

Pete Green, Linda O'Connell, Brad Cook, Photo: Courtesy of Lynn Obermoeller

I recapped my St. Louis Writer's Guild panel presentation in my previous post. I would like to thank everyone who came to hear what Pete Green, Brad Cook and I had to say. I do believe that St. Louis has a huge literary pool, and I also believe that we should be inclusive rather than exclusive, and readily share our knowledge.

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to my new blog followers!

Peter Green discussed independent presses and "author-subsidized publishing". Self-publishing is not the way to go for everyone, but if you are intent on getting your manuscript published, there are avenues other than traditional publishing. Check out his book, Dad's War With the United Sates Marines on his website and read about his newest, upcoming release.

Brad Cook gave a thorough overview of local conferences and the wealth of knowledge one gains from attending. He has been pumped ever since returning from New York.

The Missouri Writer's Guild Conference is coming up April 8-10. There is still time to register, or if you just want to schmooze and dine and hear keynote speaker, hometown sweetheart, author and former Post-Dispatch columnist, Elaine Viets on 4/9/11, please go to MWG.

Some of St. Louis's literary finest were in the audience. I was proud to see Dianna Graveman, local author who will be presenting at the MWG conference. Becky Haigler, editor of Silver Boomer Anthologies was also in attendance, and Diane Jennings Willis from Washington University.

Please feel free to email me on any topic, and I will help in any way that I can.

Passing it on, doing unto others

I am amazed at how nice my new blog friends are, truly honored and absolutely stunned that you all chose little old me to grace the pages of your blogs.
I want to thank the famous, Jennifer Brown Banks at
Pen and Prosper for nominating me as a Phenomenal Female Blogger during Women's History Month. You can read one of my previously published essays on her blog. It may give you some insight as to who I am and how I have evolved.


Another shout out goes to Donna B. at
Mystical Journeys who awarded me this blog award. I was instructed to post a picture of myself blogging. Not the most flattering photo, but the most spotless you'll find my work area. Actually, I shoved my pile of papers under the calendar which is flipped back to February. Notice my
monkey on the top right of the screen? His presence is a reminder to quit monkeying around and get writing.

When I was in kindergarten my dad used to tell me he was going to get me a little monkey (I imagined a baby chimpanzee) to carry my books to school in a little satchel. His story telling was a precursor to my writing.

I was instructed to pass this award on to other deserving writers.

Dianna Graveman @wordpress.com is one of the hardest working and busiest writers I know.

T'Mara Goodsell's fun blog is a hoot. Be sure to scroll to some of her previous posts and read Sexless in the City.

Cathy C. Hall is a humorist and great writer. Her wit makes my synapses fire.

Claudia is a tea drinking, deep thinking writer/poet.

June Freaking Cleaver at Ratio of Failures is very insightful and wise.

There are so many more of you that I haven't mentioned here. It has nothing to do with preference. I love you all.

Take a moment to stop by and visit these folks and please leave a comment.

Now, I have a question for you. This happened to me today. I walked into a fast food restaurant and the teenager behind the counter had her hand in her mouth!( braces or food trapped?) Then, she walked over to place an order on a tray and took it to the dining room. I had one of two choices, either walk out or address the problem. I decided that my health and that of others was at risk, and so as she came around the counter, I stopped her.

"Excuse me," I said softly, "I don't want to sound rude, but when I came in the door you had your hands in your mouth. Would you please go wash your hands before serving my food?"

Some teens would have sassed, spat at me or ignored me, but she smiled and said, "Oh yeah, sure." Then she be-bopped to the sink.

How would you have handled this situation?

Exercise makes me hungry

I had the kiddie pool to myself at the gym this morning. I watched the water aerobics senior ladies doing their exercises in the lap lanes, and I did mine in the lazy river. I walked, hopped, and even skipped against the strong current. I did knee and leg bends, arm exercizes; I even boxed the water with hands submerged (try this strenuous exercise.) After forty-five minutes in the pool, I'd worked out and also worked up an appetite. It's a never ending vicious cycle. Doc says, "Move it or lose it." If only it worked this way: Eat it and lose it. I'm going to munch something healthy before I devour that oatmeal raisin cookie calling my name.

Don't forget, if you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, head to Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, MO tomorrow. Dianna Graveman and her husband and co author, Don, will be signing their book Missouri Wine Country from St. Charles to Hermann, from 11:00-1:00. It's grape stomping time!