Need I Say More... Love's Enchantment

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Tomorrow is the first of June. Where did this year go? I've been working on book three, but it's not finished yet. In the meantime I've been working on two new contemporary romances. It's been dificult to write these days due to a lot of anxiety and "life" things happening. It's the end of the school year, and that's always a busy time of year. I'm looking forward to summer so I can dedicate my time to finishing up my works in progress, including book three.

There are no big plans for me to travel this summer. It would be wonderful to go to California to see my son, but I'm not sure that will happen. I will definitely visit with my youngest son who lives in a Detroit suburb. Somewhere between the beginning of the year, my stepdaugher bacame a teenager! One more year in middle school for her.

I don't have any book signings scheduled for this summer, or presentations. I want this to be my summer of "finishing" what I have started, so that will entail a lot of time writing. I'm excited to be able to work on writing full time. Of course, I'm not turning anything down if someone wants me to do a presentation. Feel free to ask if you'd be interested in reading one of my books for your book club. I will be happy to come to your group and talk about my writing, or whatever your topic may be. Please contact me at dresselmj at aol. com (no spaces, of course)

I hope you have a wonderful summer. Have fun at whatever you do, and I will keep you posted on my progress. Remember, contact me if you are interested in purchasing any of my books.

I offer specials if you contact me personally!

Grab your camera, your kids and pets, sunblock, and first aid kits

and have fun this summer!

Happy Summer!

~~Remember some special Summer Holidays~~

Memorial Day
Flag Day
Father's Day
Summer Solstice

Canada Day

Independence Day
Parents' Day

Labor Day

~~For You and the Kids~~

http://holidays.kaboose.com/summer/

Summer Reading and Gift Suggestions

Visions of Enchantment and

Enchantment's Embrace

http://www.gifts.com/occasions/graduation/her/3ohFr6aicp758n

For the Ladies and Gents, Reading List

http://www.seattlepi.com/books/274495_summerbooks20.html

Single on Valentine's Day?

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Welcome to my first newsletter of 2009., and to another special Valentine’s Day issue. As some of you know, last year I interviewed CJ Hollenbach, romance cover model, and Fantasy Hunk of 2001. (Scroll through the old posts and you can find his interview.) This year I’d like to introduce you to DJ Deppen, a poet of some of the most romantic and sensual words you’ll ever read. Not only that, but he finds just the right picture to go with each poem, and he makes them himself! I hope you enjoy my interview (below) with him. Please go to his website and read some more of his beautiful poems. Here's a sample for your enjoyment.

I’ve come up with a few suggestions for being alone on Valentine’s Day. You probably wonder why a romance writer would write about singles on such a romantic day. I never had to spend this special day of love alone for many years. Then one Valentine’s day I found myself alone on February 14th. Maybe it helped because I was very sick with the flu. It wasn’t because of that, that I was alone though. I was getting over a bad relationship, so maybe the flu was my escape that year. When I could finally hold my head up, I wrote about how I felt that day. I wasn’t bitter, and I wasn’t hurt, anymore, but I was sad. I was also at peace. The days working up to that day were hard. I knew what ‘he’ would be doing on that day, and that’s the part that made me sad. So, being sick kept me from worrying about being alone on such a special day. Some years have gone by since then.

This year when I was thinking about another newsletter for Valentine’s Day, I decided to gear it toward being single and being alone. For whatever reason it is, I hope everyone can find something here that you can enjoy or take away with you. Maybe it will be a special quote, or a pleasant thought you found here. In the meantime, I’ll still be writing romance, and putting a hero and a heroine together with some infamous plot and conflict, so don’t think I’m giving up on romance or anything like that. Oh, no, I still believe in love and that everyone is entitled to a fairy tale romance. In fact, speaking of writing romance, Visions of Enchantment and Enchantment’s Embrace are always available. If you haven’t been introduced to Eryn and Uriah yet, I invite you to read some excerpts on my website. If these two characters can convince you to read their story, then I’ll even give you a discount on an autographed copy. Let me know if you’re interested, and for a limited time, I’ll send it/them with free standard rate shipping.(limited to two books)

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My updates

I’m preparing for a book signing/ Presentation on March 10th. I’ll be discussing the road to publication. It can sometimes be a very long road, and it was for me. When you see all those books on shelves, each one of those authors had to struggle to get there. It doesn't happen overnight.

I’ve been working on Book Three. As a special surprise, I’m enclosing a small excerpt. I don’t usually do this until I have a book under contract, but just for you, and because it’s Valentine’s Day. What the heck!

In March I’ll also be teaching Romance Writing 101 at a local college. I’m looking forward to that. It should be fun. I was approached by the director of the program I teach in, and she asked if I would do it. Did you know that romance writing has a certain criteria to follow?

And now a short excerpt from Book Three in the

Enchantment Series (excerpt is G rated, the book isn't)

They drove down PA Rte 8 to Venango Airport which was two miles south of Enchantment. The airport set up a small room for family of the passengers. A PR person from Avis’ travel magazine was there, but had no information.
Uriah held Eryn as tightly as he could, pulling her head against his chest, smoothing her long chestnut colored waves away from his face.
Cole came in with coffee and sat beside Alyce, holding her hand tightly, trying to calm the tremble. So much so that he took her hand and led her to the hall. He held her close against him. “She’ll be okay.”
She held her tears in check, until now. “Cole, she’s a part of me. I don’t know what I’ll do without her.”
“Let’s wait until we hear something, babe.”
“You don’t understand! We’re connected. There hasn’t been a time in our lives that we’ve been apart; we have a bond. She’s my twin, a part of me!”
“I know, babe, I know...”
Uriah opened the door, and came over to them. He held his arm around Alyce, but couldn’t find words of comfort. He patted Cole on the back then went back in to Eryn.

Dinner for One

Do something simple. How about Pasta! Treat yourself to your favorite wine. Throw in a slice of garlic bread, after all you don't have to worry about 'garlic' breath! Toss a quick salad, and they you are!

Valentine’s Day is Saturday. If you want to stay home and watch a movie, and have been sitting around in your sweats all day, then check out Hulu. They have many things to watch there. Or you can go to all the locals like NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS and watch a TV show you might have missed. You don’t have to be alone tonight. Check out WE channel, the Hallmark Channel… the list goes on. Don’t forget to go online and check out your fantasy hero or heroine at their official website. And last but not least call your best friend! Guys, you might like Spike TV, FX, HBO, Discovery, or the History Channel.

Take a hot bubble bath, (Yes, you guys, too!) with candles and afterward smother your skin in your favorite lotion or oil! If you want to get out of the house, get a massage; hot stone massages are awesome. Take a walk, but stay away from places where you’re likely to run into couples holding hands and hugging and kissing. Tonight’s not the night you’ll want to see that. Hit Starbucks with your laptop! Go to the bookstore; chances are couples won’t be hanging out there, but other singles might be. While you’re there pick up a blank page book so you can start a journal. One day you can look back at it and recall all your memories.

Dessert

This sounds so yummy. Don’t want to eat a sweet dessert? Try this!

Mochachino

1 part Kahlua Mocha
1 part coffee
1 part hot chocolate

While we’re in the dessert mood, how about visiting Betty Crocker! If you sign up for a newsletter, you can get coupon’s for Warm Delights. They are sized for one, and since we’re talking about singles, give it a try. Warm Delights

If you’re interested in Green?

http://www.naturallysavvy.com/

Nascar is just starting so if you’re sitting at home and a race fan, go ahead and watch the Nationwide Race (formerly Busch Race) on Saturday night.

This is a good time to pull out your favorite book, cuddle up with soothing music,

and escape!

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day, no matter what you do!

Love,

Mary

And now...

Drum Roll Please....

I introduce you to the one and only Male Poet of Romance filled with sensuality and love... D.J. Deppen.


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D.J. Deppen

Interview D.J. Deppen

Whispering Moments - "Filled with verses of longing passions for one true love." Whispering Moments, Undying Love- The sequel to Whispering Moments "is filled with gentle fondness and love in every verse.”

Young or old, single or in a relationship, you'll enjoy these sensuous words written from the heart of Mr. DJ Deppen. Come along with me as I interview this writer of romantic poetry.

DJ, I'm excited by your poetry, and I know others will be too. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this interview.

Can you describe to us what you think the perfect romance should be like?

Romance is what you feel inside your heart for another person. It's the expression of love for your lover. It comes in many different ways; a note, a flower, a poem or my favorite, the way you kiss your lover. The perfect romance is seeing that spark in the other's eyes. Their smell entices your senses and makes your heart beat fast, "Love's Scent."
I've always thought of romance as an exciting feeling in the presence of a lady. The way she smiled when I entered a room. The wantonness in her eyes when she gazed in mine. The ambiance in the surroundings, which made the moment special, as we both spend that precious moment in time together. That moment that seems to last forever is the fairytale.

You've said that writing romantic poetry is like "therapy" for you. Can you explain?

The feeling of creating from a random discovering of thoughts inside my soul, and transforming those feelings into passionate words of love that others will be touched and can only understand with their heart, is a fulfillment that cleanses my soul. When I write something I become overflowed with emotions. When I capture a moment I know everyone feels, it could bring a tear to my eye, or overflows me with energy, because the words are so powerful, I know love is no longer a word, it has become real.

What is the first thing you do to put your random thoughts into passionate words? What do you do to get in the mood to create such beautiful love poems?

I don't do anything. I could be sitting in restaurant or on a park bench, when my mind is suddenly triggered by something. The words just seem to enter my head. I truly believe God is working through me. The writing, "Undying Love" came as random words sitting in a meeting. I started writing notes and after arriving home put them together. It is one of my most powerful pieces of art. "No wind or storm, not even Satan's swarms, can change God's grace for what will be formed." I read over things I've written in the past and don't know how I could have ever written such beauty.

Where do you get the beautiful graphics that you use to enhance your poems?

I spend hours searching online for one writing, it sometimes takes several pictures to mold and shape together.

What do you do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?

I ride cross country and enjoy spending time in the country camping and riding on horseback.

Your covers are beautiful. Who designed them for you?

A very special and extremely talented lady has used my descriptions to create them.

Have your poems been published anywhere other than in books? Awards?

No, I've never entered them in anything. I never planned on writing. It just happened one day.

What made you decide to publish your poems in a book?

It was an accident. I never thought about publishing anything. I was using myspace.com as an online journal, and didn't realize others could read what I was writing. I only moved forward after receiving several reviews and suggestions to contact someone to be published.

You also write for children. Why did you decide to do children's books?

The book "The Searching Prince" was just a fun thing for me. I would sometimes stare out at the stars and dream about my girl. I would see a shooting star and be all excited, thinking it was a sign she was soon to come. The little boy in the story became me and how I searched for my princess. I would rhyme the story for fun. It took me close to two years to finish a 20 page story. After reading it to my 5 year old niece and seeing how captivated she was from the story, I decided to put it into print. I experimented with boys and girls of all ages and got the same response. A few of them asked me to write another story, so I wrote the day before. "Fairy, Sprites and Moonlit Nights"
The Searching Prince battles a great foe to save the Princess from a terrible fate. Only one thing powerful enough can save them both. That one thing is "Love."

Who is your favorite poet?

To be honest, I've never read any. lol

Do you have any appearances coming up?

NO

How long have you been writing?

2 years

How can someone contact you, and/or purchase your books? Website?

Anyone may contact me through my website www.whisperingmoments.com
I also have a book store, which anyone can order through at this site, with free shipping!

Thanks again for doing this interview, DJ! I’ve read many of your poems, and along with the graphics you so carefully choose, I know they definitely touch the soul. I wish you all the luck with your endeavors.

DJ Deppen's beautiful poetry books are filled with romance and sensuality, and written from his heart with words of love anyone would want to hear from their lover. These books are perfect books for anyone who loves romance; whether you're still searching, or have already found your fairy tale. Whispering Moments and Whispering Moments, Undying Love, are available now. Contact DJ Deppen for more information. Visit DJ's website for other works, and works in progress.

Thank you for taking the time to ask me these interview questions. I had a lot of fun answering them. DJ

Please don’t be shy! DJ welcomes your comments. And so do I!

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day.


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What's in Store for February?

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Valentine's Day is a day for lovers. Or is it? This year, I'm doing something different. I'm gearing my Valentine's Day Newsletter toward singles. Not everyone has a lover to spend the day with. Come back for Valentine's Day and see what I have in store for you if you have to spend the day alone. Even if you do have a lover to spend this day with, come by and see what else is going on. I just might have an interesting interview. One you'll enjoy with or without a lover. Hope to see you soon!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

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Hello! Is it really December? Goodness, where have I been? As I remember, it was just summer! Sunday and Monday snowed hard it was like a blizzard--again. Six or Seven inches of snow has fallen, and it drifted so badly from 40 mph winds, I'm not sure what we'll end up with when it's all said and done. Two feet had to be cleared out of the driveway. Another storm headed this way today. The whole bed of my pick-up is filled with snow. I heard it snowed every day in December. I had two snow days out of it in one week!

News in my writing world

Of course, Visions of Enchantment and Enchantment’s Embrace are doing well. I haven’t been doing much marketing lately, or promoting. I just finished teaching a six-week creative writing class at my local college. That was fun, and I realized something. Some of my students never looked at themselves as writers before. On the last day, I nonchalantly called them writers, and one student was surprised. I said, “You don’t have to be published to be a writer.” She said, “I never thought of myself as a writer.” To reiterate, you don’t have to be published to be a writer. If you write, you’re a writer. So, get out there and write if you have the calling to do so.

Speaking of writing, I have started a Christmas Story, and it’s just a short story for fun. I’m not sure if it will be posted as a free read on my site, or whether I’ll submit it to Triond .com where I post other random writing and poetry. Then, I suddenly had an idea for another short story. This one is about a biker. The question is, “What life could have been like if…” Keep an eye out for these two new writings from ‘yours truly.’ Shame on me, but I haven’t been doing much on Book Three. I will plan some writing time, and try to get it finished up in draft form. I’m not sure about a book four at this point. I have this terrific plan for it, but I'm not sure it's going to work the way I want it. I heard people say that Stephenie Meyer should have stopped at book two in the Twilight series. I don't want that to happen to my Enchantment series. I'm still working on my 'more than sensual' contemporary novel. It's getting good!

My Personal News

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I did! The reason is because I spent it in California with my oldest son. I went by myself. It was such a long trip to get there, though. Going out, it took about 12 hours with flying and lay-over’s. Then it was another hour to drive to his house. He picked me up at the airport in Chico, CA. We had a great, wonderful, awesome time! Now, I miss him even more being here, and him being there. The temperature was an average of 67 degrees, sunny, with skies of blue. Unusual for this time of year. I told him it was all for me! When we went to the mountains two different times, at two different places, the temperature dropped as low as 43 degrees. The higher we climbed, the lower the temperature went! It was fun. Enjoy the few pictures I’m posting. We went to Burney Falls which was northeast of where he lived, and the next day to Mt. Shasta, north of his city. We went as high as about 6,500 feet to the ski lodge. It was closed. The ski lodge used to be at 9,000 feet, but an avalanche took it out, and they rebuilt it at 6,500 feet, but now it sometimes doesn’t get snow early enough. For a humorous account of my 18 hour trip home, click this link. Flights and More Flights!

For You, My Readers and Friends

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a wonderful New Year. If you don’t celebrate Christmas, I wish you a happy holiday season however you celebrate it. I hope that you’re planning some fun things, and happy family times. Is your tree up? Mine is! We put it up over a week ago. It looks so pretty, and helped to get me into the holiday mood. I even started to listen to Christmas music last week. Some local stations have been playing it since November 1st. That’s too soon for me! But, last week everything changed. I even took a Christmas CD in to work, and played it for some of the kids. Believe me they are excited. Middle school isn’t a lot different than elementary when it comes to vacation. It reminds me of an article I wrote earlier about who’s more excited, the kids or the teachers! It’s posted on one my favorite writing sites-- http://www.authspot.com/Journals/Who-Needs-a-Break-More-Kids-or-Teachers.68343

After the holidays I’ll get back to marketing and promoting, and do some more guest spots on blogs. On March 10th of 2009, I’ll be doing a book signing/ presentation at the Marshall Library. Watch for updates. I’m looking forward to that. Another new thing for me will be teaching Romance Writing 101 at the local college. It should be fun? This will be a new venture for me. I’m excited!

I came across an awesome Christmas Card site. Please go there and see this. It's fun, and beautiful, too. http://ecard.ashland.edu/2004admission/index.html

With Christmas this week, I wanted to make sure to get this newsletter out to you,, and to remind you to remember the romance reader in your life. I have books on hand, and will be more than happy to autograph them. I am offering a discount of $14.00 for one. That’s almost 50% off! Ask about a discount on purchasing both books together in the series. Even though your gift wouldn’t be received in time for Christmas, unless I know you personally, and we live close. A belated gift for would be a great surprise! Contact me at dresselmj @ aol.com (no spaces) for more information. If you’ve already read Visions of Enchantment, don’t forget the second book, Enchantment’s Embrace. For excerpts see my Excerpts page on my website. http://www.maryjdresselbooks.com

So, for now friends, family, and fans, I once again would like to wish you and your family the happiest of holidays, and a Wonderful New Year. Be happy. Be safe, and celebrate the beauty of Love’s Enchantment. And don’t forget why we are celebrating this holiday. Take a minute to say happy birthday to Jesus. Thanks for all you’ve done, and for being here with me during this past year.

You can now follow my updates.

Check out the sidebar for details.

Yummy Recipe

http://www.foodclassics.com/re1565/recipes.php

Fun!

http://www.dgreetings.com/newyear/newyear-resolution.html

Be sure to check out my vacation slide show at the

beginning of this post.

Thank You Everyone, for a Great Year!


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Newsletter Coming This Month


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I'm working on my next newsletter so check back

sometime in late November.

Sizzling Summer

Summer's Heating Up!

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First of all, I'd like to thank all the new members who signed up for my Newsletters and Updates. Thanks to all my readers who have taken the time to email me and comment on my books. I appreciate hearing from you very much!

When summer first starts in West Michigan, I can usually say, "It’s Hot!" But until July this year, the mid-west had a cool spell, not to mention crazy weather and too much rain in some spots. So, it jumped to 90 degrees with no warning!

Be careful this summer– Remember safe boating, and don’t swim alone! Prevent sunburns– use that sun screen.


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Okay, so what’s new you might ask? For all my Enchantment Series fans– I’m on Chapter 10 in my first draft. The urge and ideas are flowing together now. I love when that happens! It’s been exciting with a little sadness so far in the story. Oh, I wish I could give you an excerpt, but I never do that until it’s ready to go to print. It’s too early to submit this one yet, but I’m thinking of it. The urge to get back into this one surprised me, because I was so wrapped up in my new novel, I didn’t want to stop. But as usual, and like it always has, my Prescot family kept calling to me. Sometimes they just won’t leave me alone! For instance, Uriah was so worried about Avis over something, that he would not let me rest until he knew she was going to be okay, or not. That’s a father for you! Now, you’re probably wondering if she is okay. Well, you’ll just have to wait to find out. Fathers and heroes have certain privileges.

Speaking of Father’s I hope all the DADS had a terrific day last month on their day. My husband and I watched his youngest daughter in a ‘BIG’ horse show that day. The day before that, we spent the day with all three grand babies and daughters! His weekend was special.

Is everyone going an vacation this summer? You can check Gas Buddies for the best prices. Have fun and remember to take lots of pictures for memories of your time. I was watching the morning show and they did a segment on Is Sex Better on Vacation? So, if you’re going away, read this first. I couldn't find the link to include here. They say that on vacation the stresses of everyday life are gone;therefore SEX is hotter and more frequent! Sounds good to me... Remember to pack silk...for both of you. I don’t usually watch TV in the morning, but since my husband always has it on, that’s where I sit and drink coffee now. I love peace and quiet on a summer morn, but it 'ain't happening!

Ah, summer, the time of summer weddings... If you got married send pictures! I’ll post them on my website! You can show your happy day to the world. A teacher at work got married the day after school got out. Can you imagine how busy she must have been? And speaking of teachers and work, I am laid off from my job at school, again. Three times in three years, is a bit much. Before coming here I was at the same job for 27 years! Bah humbug!

On June 28th I did a reading/ presentation at the Delton Public Library. Hey, it was the day before my birthday! I’m sorry, but by time this newsletter goes out, it will all be over. On August 12th I’ll be doing a book signing, and presenting Enchantment’s Embrace at the Wayne Library. This will be my second signing there. Then on August 14th I’ll be Spotlighted at the Paranormality Blog. Click here to bookmark that site now! Please stop by that day, and if you’ve read my books, putting in a few good words can’t hurt either! Thanks... But, stop by to say hello, regardless! I’ll be giving away a PDF copy of one of my books. All you’ll have to do is answer a question about my book, but the info will be somewhere on my website, you don’t have to have a book to know it. On September 23rd I'll be spotlighted on the Blog of Raine Delight. In October I'll also be spotlighted at the Latte Lounge, but that's not 100% confirmed yet. Details about that will follow.

I’ve been up to a few other things. I went back to MySpace. A couple years ago my site got hacked, but I just went back. Don’t forget to ‘befriend’ me if you are there, too. You can meet other authors. Oh, wait, that’s my competition! Hmm– I guess this is the time to wonder why I just interviewed Shiela Stewart, Erotic Romance Author, in both eBook and Print. I thought having a hot author here for my summer newsletter was a great idea. Well, hot besides me, that is! So, be sure to read Shiela’s interview. I have liked her since I’ve known her, but after doing the interview, I have a whole respect thing going on for her. She’s an awesome erotic romance writer. You’ll like reading about her. I’m reading one of her books now. Since I’m writing an erotic romance myself, I thought a little sample might be good. Yummy!

I’m loving the novel I’m working on right now. It’s an erotic contemporary, and has a Royal hero. Oh, yeah, royal as in Duke! I’m thinking of submitting this one to an E-Publisher. Shiela gave me her editor’s name. One good thing about an ebook is the price. The downside is you sit at your computer to read it, or purchase an ebook reader.

I just read a great book. If you’re just kicking back this summer, I have a wonderful summer love story for you. The Notebook! Okay, I might be the only one who hasn’t seen or read it yet. Watch the trailer on my MySpace Profile page... I know it’s been out awhile, but it’s a great story. Also, if you love time-travels like I do, you might want to watch Somewhere in Time, again. It’s my favorite, and part of my time-travel inspiration. If that’s not enough romance for you, I have books on hand for sale!

My son is living only miles away from one of the fires in California. His boss and friends at his work have already been evacuated. He has been sending me pictures and reports. The last reports from him were that they are 95% contained in the area of Redding. His boss and some friends from his job had to be evacuated. I know someone there had horses to evacuate. Ranches in the area out of danger were taking in animals that had to be moved. Awww... that's so sweet! What a great gesture of humanity. Visit this YouTube link for videos from the area.

Click here for

California Fires, Videos

For Your Summer Movie Pleasure

Romantic Movies

The Notebook
The Graduate
Pretty Woman
Grease

Moonstruck

LINKS

June

Flag Day, 14th

Gemstone -- Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone

Flower-- The Rose

July

July 21, 1969, Neil Armstrong first man

to step foot on the moon!

Gemstone-- Ruby

Flower-- Larkspur

August

August 1, 1969, The birth of the Internet

National Catfish Month

August 4, Twins Day Festival

INTERESTING FACT

Weed Wacker string produces 720 million feet of string, enough to go around the earth 5 ½ times.
Modern Marvels, – History Channel, June 16, 2008

Food

What's Your Secret to the

PerfectGrilled Cheese?

http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?boardid=479&ThreadID=733014&BoardsParam=HIPDelay%3d1

WRITING TIP

Carry a pen and paper around with you all the time so you can write down anything that inspires you. For instance, if you see someone who looks like a great story character, observe and write details! Even if you don’t have a place for them now, you might later. Did you run across a perfect setting– old house, alleyway, sunset, etc? Write it down! What if you’re driving down the highway, and an idea pops in your head? Do you have something to write it down on? :-)

Be sure to scroll down and read my

interview with Shiela Stewart!

Please leave comments!

I hope the rest of your summer is wonderful!

Please forward this to anyone

you think might be interested!

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