I'm on a roll

Now Available!

I am proud to announce that one of my poems has been published in this book published by Silver Boomer Books. I really did not want to contribute because I am not a widow. I thought I might jinx myself. Then, one night last winter Bill had to babysit grandkids and was away overnight for the first time in 20 years. I can't tell you how much I missed him. His presence and reminders were all around the bedroom...and a poem evolved.

Do you know of someone who has lost a spouse? This would be a great book because it is filled with uplifting stories about survival after widowhood. The messages are hopeful and empowering.



RELEASE DATE: Tomorrow, and in bookstores Oct. 16th

My story, Finding God's Message in the Sand is about my pleading and praying as I walked a beach. At sunrise I came upon a lone woman writing in a prayer journal...an answer to my prayers when she chased after me and prayed for me.

I hope you will purchase this book and spread the inpsirational messages, not just my own.




My story is about believing in myself, even though the message I believed was a complete fallacy. True! It helped me get to where I am today.

Check out the wonderful stories in this book.


I also have received a contract from Mozark Press, Bad Hair Day Anthology.

I am also working closely with the editor and creator of Stepping Up: Stories of Blended Families on one of my stories she is interested in publishing.

I am now writing ...hold your breath...drumroll...FICTION, and having so much fun.


My submission for Fifty Shades of Santa (no R-rated or X-rated material) has been one of the most fun pieces I have ever written. I am practicing my classroom motto: Never say, "I can't!" Say, "I can try!"

It is good to stretch your creative muscles and write cross-genre. Please, be kind and pass this information to others. Thank you for your continuous comments and support. Hugs to all of you.

An acceptance

Toot-toot! I received an acceptance on my poem, Army Wives, from Silver Boomer Books. It will appear in their newest anthology, The Harsh and the Heart--Patriots Dream to be released in August 2011.

Everyone knows the sacrifices a soldier makes, but many don't realize the sacrifices (and friendships) their spouses make. This poem is very special to me as it is about my best friend who has dementia. We met as army wives and newlyweds, forty-two years ago.

Check out Silver Boomer Books. They have a list of possible upcoming titles. I have been published in four of the Silver Boomer Anthologies. They just keep getting better. The page layout is unique. There are quotes that scroll across the bottom of each page and continue from first to last page. The quotes are as much fun to read as the prose and poetry. Do check out the Silver Boomer Books.

Knowledge is power; reading is fun

Check out Query Shark to get a good idea of what an agent does and doesn't want. There are examples of query letters and the dissection of them. This should not deter you from writing and submitting, it should help you write better. Not all agents are as tough as Judge Judy.

I don't know about you, but I would rather hear straight forward truth than sugar coated nonsense. False hope is not hope. I can deal with what I know, but if I don't know, then I'm making an educated guess.

On a lighter note, I received my Silver Boomer anthology titled, Flashlight Memories. My poem is on page 162.


A Classic Tome
Linda O'Connell 2011 (C)

The Poky Little Puppy, its dog-eared edges
and illustrations familiar as the word on the pages,
a book bequeathed to my children,
I've handed down through the ages.

Slow poke is covered with finger smudges
numerous spills, and now grandbaby stains.
A Little Golden Book it may be,
but a classic tale it remains.

In her two year old tag-along,
get-it-in-gear, hurry-up-world,
I reach for Poky, slow her down to a snuggle
and read my favorite classic to Nana's girl.

This book is packed with wonderful essays and poems about childhood reading memories. Perfect gift for a graduate of any age, a special person in your life, an upcoming holiday or just for yourself to leisurely enjoy.