Memorial Day Giveaways

        Today is the day when we reflect on those who have gone ahead of us--those who have passed before us, and those who have served for us.

      Yesterday on the show 60 Minutes they covered some new treatment for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. It's called "Prolonged Exposure" (I think I'm remembering the name correctly) and involves them telling their story over and over. Too often, they bury it inside. As soldiers who have served say, "If you've been there, I don't need to say anything and if you haven't, there's nothing I can say." It's the same therapy that has been used with rape victims. Each time they tell their story, they heal a little more...

         The Harsh and the Heart has sentimental value for me in a couple of ways. One, it was the first anthology that included a story of mine--my first publishing credit. Second, it features a story about my dad. It was written while he had Alzheimer's, when his personality and his memories were gone. Now he's gone completely...

        
      This collection is an inspiring one. Several of my writing friends have stories in it, including Lynn Obermoeller, Linda O'Connell and Alice Muschany. (Sadly, my story did NOT survive. In fact, it was turned down in a case of projectile rejection. However, I am still thrilled for the writing colleagues who were lucky enough and talented enough to get accepted.)

      On June 1 I will be drawing names of the winners. If you're only interested in one of them, indicate that, or if you'd enjoy winning either one, let me know, and I'll put your name in both hats (literally and figuratively, although it will probably be a bowl and not a hat). 

     Have a great Memorial Day...and may your day be filled with fond memories of loved ones.

And if you're not booked up on June 1, you're in Missouri and would like to hear some writers read their words, check out the event that Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writer's Guild is hosting. It's free (and should be lots of fun--I went last year and it was a delightful afternoon).

They're a Brick! House!

         Okay, I admit it. Disco is my favorite driving music. It keeps me awake and alert and energized.

       In fact, in the September issue of Sasee magazine, a story of mine ("Still Dancing") is going to appear. It chronicles my horrific unbelievable past attempts at dancing.

                                                         These are plates. Don't you think any food
                                                  placed on it would boogie-oogie-oogie right off?

        Tomorrow, some local writers are going to be guests at a private event, featuring Gloria Gaynor, the queen of I Will Survive. Cathi LaMarche, Alice Muschany, Lynn Obermoeller, and Linda O'Connell will be dancing under the disco ball--and they each have a story of theirs published in an anthology about surviving.

                                                      This is the cover of the anthology inspired
                                                     by Gloria Gaynor's song "I Will Survive."

         Please send them congratulations and if you're older-than-mud "seasoned" enough to remember the disco era, give them your best dancing advice...

         ...'Cause they don't need no stinkin' writing advice. They're solid writers. Each of them is a Brick! House! of writing skills.

Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Lose

       When I get something accepted for publication, I shout it from the rooftop. When I get something rejected, I do the same. (As  a back-up singer in a Joni Mitchell tune sang, "Man, the chick is twisted. Crazy. Scooby-shooby...Flip city.") Getting a "no" from an editor means that at least I'm sending out pieces.

       Three writing friends--Lynn Obermoeller, Cathi LaMarche and Linda O'Connell--have stories in the Gloria Gaynor collection entitled We Will Survive. Because I love the song, I submitted something...and got a quick "no thanks." But hey, at least I tried.

      So Lynn, Linda and Cathi won that round. I lost.



Isn't this a great cover? I've read Lynn and Linda's stories
(at least the rough draft) and they're wonderful tales.

 

 

             Today I drew a name from the thousands  hundreds handful of followers that I have who left a comment for my book give-away. The drawing was handled by the well-known SODAD--Society of Dust and Doghair. The names were written carefully on slips of paper (see below) before being folded and "stirred." 

       And the winner is....Kathy M. Kathy, when you finish celebrating your wedding anniversary and put the camera down long enough to send me your address, I'll send you the book. (If you want, I'll even have Linda and myself sign it...to you,  or just a general notation, or to someone else if you'd like to "regift" it later. Let me know.)

         And especially for Val with her steeljaw trap of a memory--anyone can jump in, however: There are two song references in this post. With one of them, I gave you the artist. Do you know the song? The other one is the title of this post. Do you know either the singer or the song? 

        What's a win or a loss you've experienced recently?