New Books, Inspiration and Stephen King

Since my last blog post, I have been immersed in getting WISH I COULD HAVE SAID GOODBYE out into the world, and a brand new novel is well on its way, slated to be done by fall of 2012. ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE, my second novel, deals with powerful life changes and first love, but does so with a humorous slant. I have to thank my awesome classmates and instructors at the University of Chicago for helping me become a better writer, and here's a brief look at what's been happening.

First, I am thrilled to announce WISH I COULD HAVE SAID GOODBYE was awarded third place in the Kansas City Romance Writers of America, Show Me the Spark contest. I have to give a big shout out to the all Romance Writers of America chapters who host contests all across the country all year long. And while writers may not always win or place, the feedback from fellow authors and editors is invaluable. I highly recommend to any writer to enter. Thanks to Stephanie Smith, all contests are all listed at www.stephaniesmith.com.

As a new debut author, while preparing WISH I COULD HAVE SAID GOODBYE for publication is exciting, the best part of my job is writing. One of the books I recently read is Stephen King's Memoir, ON WRITING. He's my newest idol and while I was reading it, I could be found with his book in my hand, running around the house saying, "He is so right, I knew I wasn't nuts, I can't believe he does that too."

I was also overwhelmed by how early Stephen King started writing and how writing became the art form he needed to help him recover from life-threatening injuries in 1999. I am always glad to see art get credit for making our lives better. Here's one quote from him that I now have pasted in my office: "Life isn't a support-system for art. It's the other way around."

And speaking of art supporting life, I also have to mention a book by a fellow author. I met Harriet Claire Wadeson at one of my writer's groups and was shocked when she told us she was recovering from cancer at one of our meetings. Harriet is an Art Therapist who has won numerous awards for being a pioneer in the field. She's also a gifted artist and author. Her book, JOURNALING CANCER IN WORDS AND IMAGES is available on Amazon and I highly recommend it to anyone. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry.

While I'm gawking at Stephen King and admiring Harriet's book, I want to congratulate another friend on her new non-fiction book soon to be released in January called MASTER THE MATRIX: 7 Essentials for Getting Things Done in Complex Organizations. You can read the first chapter and get tips and tools on how to maximize work relationships at www.LeadershipMutt.com.

Finally, as the last post of 2011, I'd like to leave you with the top five things I've learned this year as a writer:

5) Listen to your gut.

4) Every writer writes a crappy first draft.

3) The art of writing cannot be taken lightly, otherwise it's just writing.

2) Roald Dahl has been known to re-write the beginning of a story hundreds of times.

1) Never let go of your voice.

Happy Holidays!