A long time passing

I've decided to jump (perhaps tiptoe) back into expressing myself through writing. A return to teaching 3 years ago was exhausting, both physically and mentally, and I had to let certain things in my life go. But I discovered that as rewarding as working with the students is, it was still not fulfilling me creatively.

With the publication of Is it Smooth or Rough? in the What's the Matter series by Crabtree Publishing, I feel ready to get back to the pursuit of my dream-- writing stories.

This time I am wiser and more confident, and I hope, more persistent.

And here is the first real publication:

Is it Smooth or Rough?

RLGL

I'm having a blast with Cynthea Liu's RLGL race. Red Lukas has made it to the 3rd page and I'm eagerly waiting for the next round's results.

Crumpled Paper is well represented and S’s picture book made it to the 4th page before being sent back to the start, while L’s CB has continued on to the 5th page. Wouldn’t it be cool if she won the whole race?

No idea what I’m talkin’ about? Check out
THIS and read up on the many contests and games Cynthea offers to help out new writers.

While you're there stop by and help out a worthy cause-- libraries.

Thanks Cynthea! You're a spot of light in this dark, rejection-riddled world of publishing.

SOLAR GADGETS

First, let me start by expressing my dismay at the endless number of things that require batteries. From clocks, fire alarms and remotes to Nintendos, MP3 players and toys -- they're in everything. The need for electricity to run anything, even a light switch, was making me a little queasy. So I came up with a solution to lessen the damage we do to the planet.

A newly installed 55 w solar panel was my answer. It fills a battery in our laundry room and that battery recharges all of our gadgets. Unbelievably, it was a brainless installation - ready to go once the panel was mounted.

Now it may seem just a tad foolish to try and power up a house with sunshine when it's overcast or raining most days of the year in our locale, but we're giving it a test drive.

So far so good. The solar panel is churning out the free power even on a cloudy day. The rechargeable batteries have all been powered up and I'm feeling a little bit better about my legacy to the world.

It's all working so well it might just be time to invest in a second battery and see what else we can run off the sun.

Today batteries, tomorrow, straight into the grid!

Stories for Children Magazine

I'm in again!

At Stories for Children Magazine you can read my non-fiction piece called Man-Made Stone.

Don't you just want to go and check out some old Roman ruins now?

Critique Groups

I think I may have already mentioned my FABULOUS critique group, Crumpled Paper, but they are certainly worth another blog of praise.

Currently, I'm working on my synopsis for Red Lukas and, like everyone seems to say, it's not as easy as it seems. So, like anything I else I write, I posted it for evaluation by Crumpled Paper.

The crits are starting to roll in and I'm humbled. What a group of talented, devoted writers! I have renewed respect and admiration for them. They've ferreted out weak plot points, slashed the word count and exposed the true synopsis underneath.

And they made it look so easy!

Thanks guys!