Zanesville Writer

My Photography Debut

2011-12-27T10:30:00.000-08:00

DBSA (Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance) of Zanesville and Muskingum County are teaming up with Power Source and Solutions (Certified Peer Support Services) to sponsor artists during Zanesville's First Friday Art Walk!

FEATURED ARTISTS:

JAYME HITCHCOCK: Jayme is in ...the process of becoming one of the most well-known and beloved artists in the Zanesville community. Her painting techniques allow her to be prolific and unique.

RITA SMITH: Rita is a local author and photographer. Her prints weave together light, shadow and texture. Rita's work evokes clarity and freshness of expressive imagery.

ALSO:

OPEN READING: Some of the Y-City Writers will be present to lead an open reading forum. All are welcome to participate. Bring any piece of writing you have created such as poetry, fiction, non-fiction, short stories or flash fiction. Feel free to just stop in to listen, as well!

* 50-50 Drawing!
** Special Prize Drawings!
*** Candy Bar Sale
**** Drinks and refreshments available

FOR MORE INFORMATION: call 740-891-4666 (Area code must be dialed from everywhere!)

TURN BACK THE CLOCK

2011-12-03T08:37:00.001-08:00

Please can we turn back the clock? I don't just mean for daylight savings time, but for those simpler times. November was a hard month for me, so I'd like to wave my magic wand and turn back the clock to say 1999 when my husband was feeling better and though I was beginning to feel the curses of multiple things, life was good.

November kept me busy, between writing group, write-ins and writing, I would have been busy. To top that all off my husband had 2 hospitalizations and now has to have his blood tested once or twice a week. Now, he will need to top those off with rounds of chemotherapy lasting 7 days once a month.

Some good news, in spite of everything, I was able to write 50,000 words and Essie is clamoring for me to finish her story. It certainly is taking some surprising twists. I believe the story really begins about half way through what I have written.

Since I cannot wave a wand to turn back time, I will do what I always do... Take each day as it comes. I will try to be graceful about the changes to my life and my husbands life, though I am sure I won't be successful all the time. I will learn as much about Mylodysplastic Syndrome or MDS as I can, so I can help Ken make informed choices.

In the meantime, the Serenity Prayer seems to center me.

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

NaNoWriMo

2011-10-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

I am the Muncipal Liaison in Zanesville for NaNoWriMo. We've had our first pre-nano meet-up, which went really well.

We discussed pre-nano prep. Creating character charts, plotting, planning scenes and using the W-Plot. The thing that I found most helpful with the W-Plot was knowing where exactly in your story you should be.

W-Plotting
A. Normal World- Hook, What's your character like now? (Rooting Interests: Empathy, Admiration traits and Humanistic traits.)
B. Inciting Incident: The action that launches the story into a downward spiral. This should take place about 10% of the way into your story.
C. Things get worse.
D.The first turning point (Crossing the threshold, change of plans) The character may do this reluctantly. You should be 25% of the way into your book.
E. Enemies and Friends - Your character learns things he/she will need to know to survive. Things they are running from comes back.
F. Point of No Return- Whatever happens at this juncture will change the protagonist and they can never be who they were at the beginning. This is about half-way through your story.
G. Things begin to fall apart.
H. The Big Black Moment-All appears doomed until one character sacrifices for another. (75% of the way through your story.
I. Return with the Elixir- This is the struggle to recover from the BBM. Loose ends are tied up in this chapter(s). Resolve inner conflict. We need to see how the events of the book changed them.
J. Happily-ever-after resolution/epilogue. The satisfactory conclusion or "slow curtain."

Don't forget if you get a good line in your mind... Write it down. We forget these things by the time we begin writing.

Tuesday, October 25 at noon- I am headed to Crossroad Library to meet-up with the Southeast Ohio Novel Writing Group to find out what preparations they are making for Nano. Feel free to join us!

Good Writing! Rita

Procrastination

2011-09-19T04:40:00.000-07:00

I may have written something on this subject before... I decided that I would speak to this issue again, because it's very much a part of my life. I cannot escape being a procrastinator.

The number one way for me to end this vicious cycle is to set deadlines. I think setting goals is what makes best selling authors so prolific in their writing and the ability to turn out 2 or more books a year.

That is why I like Nanowrimo. Nanowrimo gives me a set time frame to complete a 50,000 word novel. It sets acceptable goals that I can meet.

Knowing what Nanowrimo has done for me, I have applied to be the ML for the Zanesville region. After completing 50,000 words, I continued having write-ins once a week.

Since my novella, "Twilight Dance" needs a major re-write. I am going to concentrate on this during the month of October, using the same guidelines set by nanowrimo. I'll write attempt to write 1700 words a day. I need to do this, since "the witch" has been clammoring in my head for her part of the story to be heard. Before I concentrated on Miri and John and their romance, which I will keep, but I will be creating scenes in which "the witches" voice will be heard.

Hopefully, this will get TD out of my head, so I can concentrate on my new idea about a Fairy Queen in November. Oh, and "Twilight Dance" will have a brand new name.

Happy writing!

BEING MYSELF

2011-09-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

A question I have heard asked frequently is "How do I write different things without losing my voice?"

At first a writer might try different things as they attempt to discover who they are as a writer. The more one writes, the more your voice comes through in your work. You can cross genres and your voice will still come through.

For instance, my writing is kind of dark. Even when I write what I call mundane stories, my voice still comes through. I can sometimes switch off my voice to write lighter pieces, but that is usually harder than the dark stuff and requires way more thought. I have to pull from my own experience to write the lighter stuff.

It's funny that I am usually more upbeat in my "real life" than my "writing life." I guess the dark stuff must come from somewhere. I find that letting out the darker side of me keeps it from interfering in my life.

Staying true to yourself is certainly good for your writing, but trying new things opens up greater avenues in your creativity. It's good to stretch yourself. I am always learning each time I write a flash piece, a longer piece or even poetry. So, feel free to dabble in other areas, but don't forget the part of you that you are most comfortable and write that too.

Sometimes switching from fiction to non-fiction or poetry is not easy, but you can do it. You may just need to work a little harder than you have in the past to get those different creative juices flowing. Whatever you do, DO NOT STOP WRITING!

JUST WRITE

2011-08-27T03:46:00.001-07:00

The Y-City Writers Forum is gearing up for our 4th Writers Conference on Oct. 8, 2011 and I am beginning to kick things into high gear.

A friend of mine is on me to get my two manuscripts ready for print. Which I am working on... I know, finally! The changes on both have been brewing in my head.

NanoWriMo begins in November and is National Novel Writing Month for those of you who don't know what it is.

I have applied to be the municiple liason for Nanowrimo. And I have a story idea swimming in my head. Actually, I dreamed it, so I may just be able to plot it out to keep me on track for Nano. Our previous ML will be so proud of me! She will be missed as she flies into the wild blue yonder and the urban jungles of New York City!

A friend read a poem called, "I Write in a Laundry Mat" by Marcy Sheiner about a woman who writes everywhere in her preciously sparce downtime. So, as summer winds itself down and kids head back to school, I say to you, "Write!"

Procrastination

2011-08-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

pro·cras·ti·na·tion /proh-kras-tuh-ney-shuhn, pruh

noun
the act or habit of procrastinating, or putting off or delaying, especially something requiring immediate attention: She was smart, but her constant procrastination led her to be late with almost every assignment.

My biggest downfall is that I am a procrastinator. So many things get in my way to distract me from my writing, especially the 3rd draft re-writing/editing portion of my writing.

Tiffany Colter, The Writing Career Coach, says to treat your writing like a job. Go to work at the same time everyday and work for a set number of hours. Leave the house to write if you cannot get anything done at home.

For me the time is not the problem. I am. There are so many things that need to get done, especially for the Y-City Writers Forum. So, I find myself working on other things instead of writing.

This is a pattern I need to break. So, I am going to set up a schedule and try to follow it. Yes, I know even on a 9 to 5 job outside the home things come up like illness, appointments, etc. I am still going to set up a schedule to write and I will stick to it. I did it in November, why not the rest of the year?

The answer to that question is simple, "I NEED A DEADLINE". Someone give me a deadline, please!

Someone give me a deadline, PLEASE!

The Attack of the Killer Groundhog

2011-07-30T05:17:00.000-07:00

As I drove homeward bound a groundhog sped across the highway. Though I tried to slow down so I would miss it, still I hit it. The poor thing was able to get itself off the road and into the bushes. I continued on my way with a heavy heart.

After making a trip to the doctors, home and then out again, my light for the coolant came on. I managed to get myself to the closest repair shop. Fortunately, they were still open. Well, kind of... Everyone had gone home, except the man counting the money drawer. He took my keys saying that they would look at it first thing. I asked if he knew of anyone with a rental car. His answer was, "As a matter of fact we just serviced one for Hertz. I'll call and see if you can rent it." The guy from Hertz said to drive it to their office and I rented it on the spot. I was lucky not to have to go without a car.

The next day the repair place called and asked me what I had ran over. I asked, "How'd you know I ran over a groundhog?" I could hear a chuckle on the other end. Apparently, my radiator, condenser and cooling fan had been damaged in the "accident."

So, the groundhog has paid me back for hitting it. I wonder if he had insurance?

The Y Bridge Arts Festival

2011-07-21T04:02:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Y Bridge Arts Festival (Picture taken by Rita L. Smith at The Y Bridge Overlook in Putnam Hill Park.)

August 5th and 6th brings the 3rd Y Bridge Arts Festival to Zanesville, OH. As you might have deduced from my photo, the festival does take place on the bridge. At least, the artists tents are set up there. It extends onto Main St.

This year my writing group, The Y-City Writers Forum will be reading our Destination Ohio stories and the books will be available for purchase, along with the other Y-City Writer books and our own individual books. You can hear us read on Saturday, August 6 at 10:15 AM.

I hope to see some of your shiny, smiling faces. Stop by our floating tent, we'll be on Main Street as you come off the bridge near the first building.

STATE OF CONFUSION

2011-07-14T04:44:00.000-07:00

I constantly live in a state of confusion if you don't mind me borrowing the song title. For instance, I accidentally posted a blog on this page that was meant for my other blog. I am removing it by writing this one. Now, in my world, that may or may not work. Who knows?

I used to think that I knew all the answers, but now I know that I don't have nearly enough. I abhorred history, now I find myself scouring the internet for tidbits to help me in my writing. The older I get the more I want to learn and the less I remember. Okay, so maybe this has to do with the fibromyalgia and whatever else is going on in my body, but it's easier to tell myself it's part of the aging process.

Though I can't bury my head in the sand, I can choose to look at things differently. I don't spend much of my time worrying about what's going to happen to me, rather I focus on writing about fictional things. I am not good at writing about "real events" happening to me. So, I limit myself to times like today when I screw up.

I can laugh off speaking the wrong words, reading a completely different word than is actually written on the page and even my dyslexic fingers, but when I do it for my readers to read than it's not so funny. I hope that none of you saw my first post and wonder what happened to it. If you want to read it go to http://findthatperfectending.blogspot.com/2011/07/taking-out-trash.html.

In the grand scheme of things that wasn't a major snafu, but I had decided to try to keep this blog more personal with my writings and my musings and the other one for my writing and teaching (or learning for me) posts. Definitely, everytime I post a writing blog it's because I am trying to overcome whatever it is that I am writing about. So, by writing it down, I learn.

Fireworks

2011-07-07T05:28:00.001-07:00

Independence Day Celebration in Chillicothe, OH as viewed from the Christopher Inn Patio.

I am not a professional photographer, nor do I have a good eye. But I think these pics are interesting.
Maybe one day, I'll remember to use the tri-pod, so I can change the shutter speed.

Some of these fireworks, might appear a little sci-fi-ish.

Hm, perhaps one of them might be good for my next flash fiction book.

I like this one the best. What do you think?

First Friday Art Walk in Zanesville

2011-07-02T04:37:00.000-07:00

The first person ,who Elizabeth and I found was Emily Imes, pictured above. She was playing music on the front porch of Tower Studios on South St. Click on the picture for a link to Itunes! This is a very talented young writer, musician. Hey, she even acknowledges me in the cover. I, personally, think that she has inspired me more than I have helped her.

Of course, all the regular players were there... Linda Regula, Marilyn Knell and the rest of the Tower Studio Gang. Then we stopped a ZAAP, before going on to Paul Emory's studio. Nora Daniels, who was painting behind the studio, directed us next door where fresh cooked potato chips were for sale. Yummy!

Then we walked back to Tower Studios to chat up Emily. There we spied this Cinderella Carriage giving rides to a willing public. Elizabeth wants this on her wedding day. Of course, a prospective spouse would be lovely.

Jordan Rose, I know from my time with the Southeastern Ohio Regional Theater. Jordan played his dobro and sang for passerbys (is that how you say it or is it passerbyers?). Another talented young person.

I am totally in awe of these young people, including my fabulous niece, Elizabeth, who writes, sings and paints.

Perhaps, some of their talent might rub off on me.

Inspiration

2011-06-26T05:53:00.000-07:00

Here is the story that this old street car tracks inspired. Warning the subject matter gets heavy. Even when I start out to write a fluff piece, my writing turns dark. I guess that is my voice.

Freedom

by Rita L. Smith

The streetcar clanged. Laughter pealed from inside the car. I looked up to see numerous women in various poses hanging out the windows.

Flappers, that’s what respectable people called those loose women. Personally, I envied them their freedom. They seemed much happier than me.

I married when I was thirteen. Had four kids by the time I was seventeen and widowed last year at the ripe old age of twenty. Now, I spend all of my time working and taking care of my children, trying to give them the childhood I never had.

“Carrie Ann,” one of the flappers called my name.

I glanced up to see my childhood friend, Jackie, waving at me. Her bobbed hair sported a headband with a feather in the front over the top of her forehead. It matched the bright blue beaded dress she wore.

“Hi, Jackie,” I shouted as the streetcar moved away from me.

“Come visit me tonight,” Jackie said before her voice got lost in the wind.

***

Much to my surprise, I found myself knocking on Jackie’s door later that night. I felt rather dowdy, when Jackie answered the door in yet another brightly beaded dress with a matching headband.

As Jackie welcomed me into her home, it was the same home she’d grown up in, that my parents still lived next door to, laughter rang out from a room near the back of the house.

“I didn’t know you’d have company,” I said disappointed that I wasn’t the only person Jackie had invited.

“Oh, it’s just a few friends, who dropped over unexpectedly.”

“I can come back another time.”

“Nonsense girl. I have been meaning to call you forever. Come on back and I’ll introduce you to my friends.”

The girls, all flappers, were sitting around a round table with a Ouija board on it. One of the girls asked it if she were going to marry well. The little triangle moved to the word no. They all giggled.

“Girls, this is my friend, Carrie Ann. Carrie Ann, these are my friends. Bridget in the red, Allison in the yellow and Tina in the black.”

We all exchanged pleasantries and I was drawn into their game. When it was my turn to ask the spirits a question, I balked. I couldn’t think of anything to ask. I mean it’s not like I didn’t already know I was fated to raise my children.

The planchette, which I discovered the triangle was called, began to move on the board. The girls all jumped back. Even without them touching the thing it continued to move. It spelled out C-A-R-R-I-E-A-N-N. By the time it got to the second R, I was freaked out. I mean who would want to contact me from the spirit world. Certainly not my dead husband, though I wouldn’t have put it past him.

The Ouija board continued to spell out something. Jackie grabbed a paper and pencil. She wrote down the letters as they appeared. I had a bad feeling about this, especially when the next letter was M.

I couldn’t think. My breathing was shallow and my heart felt as if it were going to pop out of my chest. I needed some air, before I passed out. I was just about to make my exit when the thing stopped.

Jackie held up the paper on which she’d been writing.

Carrie Ann marry me. The room exploded in laughter.

“Well, Carrie Ann, some spirit wants to marry you. How funny is that?” asked Tina.

I tried to join in their laughter. One of the girls wanted to know the trick. Jackie maintained that she had not rigged the board.

“It’s time to go to the speakeasy,” Bridget said. “Are you coming, Jackie dear?”

“Not this time. I want to spend some time with Carrie Ann. It’s been ages since we’ve talked.”

The brightly colored girls departed, leaving me alone with Jackie. As soon as the door was closed behind them, Jackie said, “Carrie Ann, what did you do?”

“W-w-hat do you mean?”

“You know as well as I do that that Ouija Board said, ‘Carrie Ann murder me!’ It was just lucky that the girls weren’t paying that much attention to the letters and that the spirit didn’t use correct grammar.”

How could I tell her that I had murdered my husband? It had been the last straw when I caught him with my sweet little Mary. It was bad enough that he berated me and beat me, but having sex with my baby. Well, that had been the last straw.

So, I put poison in his moonshine. The authorities thought he’d drunk himself to death and I had let them think that, but how was I to tell Jackie my darkest secret?

“Carrie Ann, I know your husband was a good for nothing wife beater. I wouldn’t blame you in the least for getting rid of him, but there’s more to the story. There has to be.”

So, with dry eyes I told Jackie why I had killed Mitchell. When I was done I broke down crying. Jackie held me until I was all cried out. “I promise you that your secret is safe with me.”

Though I never became a flapper, Jackie and I became good friends and I felt a sense of freedom that I had never felt before.

ANTICIPATION IS MAKING ME WAIT

2011-06-19T05:14:00.000-07:00

I am busy working behind the scenes on Y-City Writers things. I am collecting donations for our October 8, 2011 Y-City Writers Conference. It's exciting whenever a new book arrives in the mail. I wish I could read them all. I will need to buy or check them out from the library if I can't wait for the conference, which is months away. Do you know how hard it is on a reader to not read books that are in their possession?

I get excited each day when I check my mailbox. I am sometimes disappointed that the mail carrier did not bring me any goodies, but when he does it's all I can do to contain myself. I feel like a little kid on Christmas Day.

Speakers are scheduled for the rest of the summer for the 3rd Tuesday of the month at our meetings. This is another thing that I am anticipating. It's exciting to me that these writers take time out of their busy schedules to meet with the Y-City Writers Forum.

June 21-Fantasy Writer Laura Bickles also writing as Alayna Williams (Science &Magic)www.salamanderstales.com www.salamanderstales.blogspot.com

July 19-Stephen Hines, Author of Hocus Focus a Y/A book and two comic books and an independent publisher. http://www.stephenhines.org

August 16-Patricia A. Rasey - Writes Romantic Thrillers and Historical Romance. http://www.patriciarasey.com/index.html

FRUSTRATION

2011-06-14T04:20:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been experiencing brain fog. It's one of the most frustrating symptoms of fibromyalgia. Words don't come out right, you misunderstand others or their words are garbled, my fingers have become dyslexic when I am typing and the list go on...

Usually, I am not bothered by most of the fms symptoms, but lately I am. Yesterday, I had trouble getting my hand to make a peace sign during Tai Chi. The left hand was doing what it was supposed to, but the right hand was off doing its own thing. I had to concentrate to get it to work correctly.

I am thankful for spell check, it catches my inverted letters in my words. So, I can write with little difficulty.

I don't know what is causing the exacerbation of my symptoms, though I suspect it's my reduced sleep. Something or someone always manages to awaken me from my sleep before my body is ready. The husband should know better and the dogs should be able to wait until six or seven in the morning. Oh, and I have a couple of cats who think my stomach is a bouncing board when I am sound asleep. I know I should shut the door with them on the other side, but I can't listen to the meowing or the whining. Yet, if things don't improve, I may have to do just that.

Crooksville Art Walk

2011-06-12T05:08:00.001-07:00

I had a great time talking with people at the 2011 Crooksville Art Walk as I manned my table. I managed to get around and take some pictures too! This one of me was taken by Elizabeth O.

Diane Mechem Kinser talking to a potential customer about her historical novels.

The Crooksville Art Walk gave me time to meet up with some friends.

Ann Cornell -Owner of Ann's Baskets

Marilyn Murphree -Author and Y-City Writers Forum Member

Diane Hand and Linda Rose - Pen & Quill Members and S.E.O. Regional Theater Members

Ron Hoopes -Collectors Honey

Heidi Heiby- Writer and Y-City Writers Forum Co-leader.

Elizabeth kept busy painting kids faces. She even made a dollar even though she was doing this to draw adults to the table to buy my books. Unfortunately, the kids were often by themselves in Crooksville.

Pen & Quill Member - Linda Rose reading her winning poem for the Crooksville Arts Councils Poetry Contest.

There was music. Mike Schultz (Pen & Quill Coordinator and Y-CWF member) in in the middle with Jordan Rose on the right. I do not know the lady on the left.

BUSY AS A BEE

2011-06-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

Me at the Crooksville Art Walk (2009)

Sometimes, I wish that I didn't have so many obligations. I miss those days of curling up in bed when the fibromyalgia is acting up, which is usually after weather shifts. Unfortunately, that is a luxury that is few and far between.

Today, I have been trying to put together an anthology for my writers group, Y-City Writers Forum. We will be selling them at the Y Bridge Arts Festival on August 5 & 6, as well as reading the stories there. It's really only a matter of cutting and pasting each story into one document and creating a table of contents, but it has taken me a couple of hours today.

In addition to this I am actively emailing and snail mailing authors to request autographed books for our conference. This is something that is time consuming, even if I cut and paste. As usual, errors still slip through. Where is an editor when you need one. (I need one looking over my shoulder.-Seriously!)

Tonight is the Write Away Writers Group, which I won't be attending unless my aches subside. Except for laundry and other household things, I have Thursday and Friday free. Or as free as it can be with a house guest.

Saturday, I will be selling and signing my flash fiction books at the Crooksville Art Walk. This is always a fun event. My niece has agreed to face paint vampire faces and bats on kids and maybe an adult or two.

BOOK FAIR AND LOLITA

2011-06-05T05:04:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth O., my niece, and a talented writer dressed in her Victorian Garb or Lolita as the fashion is called. She helped me out a a book fair yesterday, while supporting National Lolita Day. Elizabeth helped me carry my books and props to and from the library and set up my table.

My cousin, Roman New, joined us at the book fair to promote his new book, Values of a Spiritual Mind.

Here I am at my book table, which Elizabeth set up. I had a drawing for More Flashes From My Mind, which was won by the talented, Diane Kinser, another author who attended the book fair.

TIP OF MY TONGUE

2011-05-31T05:58:00.000-07:00

I borrowed this image from the web. Zanesville Street Railway #11, Cincinnati Car Co. built, 1906, renumbered later to #86. From Bill Volkmer collection.

A story is formulating in my head. It's on the tip of my tongue or is that my finger tips? It's still elusive, though I can hear voices talking as if from far away. I can hear the chug, chug, chugging of a motorcar. It's definitely a historical piece that is clammoring to find its way to the front of my mind. I wonder if it's cutting it close for flappers to have used the transit?

This is what I am seeing... A streetcar with flappers hanging out of the windows... Hmm! And all inspired by this picture I took of a defunct track between Putnam Ave. and Woodlawn Ave. in Zanesville.

I anxiously await to see how this story turns out!

FROM THE CORNER OF MY EYE

2011-05-28T04:31:00.000-07:00

I took this picture of the tree in my side yard. I don't know where the mist came from. I certainly didn't see it when I snapped the picture. Though I think it's perfect for my fertile imagination, especially since I write about Vampires, Shapeshifters and Witches. Notice my tag line doesn't say ghosts. Though I love ghost stories, I have been unable to write one. I have friends who don't write in my genre, who have created ghost stories. I guess I must not have been inspired, yet.

Now, I am thinking about a local writing contest or two. One the Theme is Pottery for the Pottery Museum. My story that won last year was so far outside my genre. A friend told me that she liked it better than my usual work. Not everyone is into dark stories. Musings From Clay City U.S.A., Book IV has my winning story, my second place poem and a couple other of my stories.

Do you think I could incorporate these old tracks into my story? I think it's funny that they lead straight to the church at the end of the street.

I think I can almost taste the ghost story that this picture wants to elicit. As with most ghosts, the story is as elusive and hard to grab onto.

In spite of a ghost story remaining just out of my line of vision, (You know that feeling you get when you think you see something, but when you turn to look there is nothing there.) I will continue to write the stories that seem to come spontaneously.

I am a pantser (I write by the seat of my pants) and I have never been able to plot anything. Inspiration is all around and though I might begin with an idea as soon as I add a character- the character takes over the story. So, not only am I a pantser, my stories are character driven and I never know where the characters will take me. So, maybe I'll write that ghost story or maybe it'll be a piece about a 1920's flapper. Who knows... Because I never know even when I have a prompt.

Blank

2011-05-25T03:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was having trouble writing. So, I put down random ideas, which somehow formed a rhyming poem of sorts. It wasn't good, but I was writing. When I finished this I looked around me and began writing about my surroundings. Thus, my story about the end of the world began. Hmm... I wonder why that was on my mind?

And I began another story after this short one. And voila I am writing again. I hope you can use this to your benefit when you are stuck. Change of scenery, then begin writing those details down and see where they take you.

Can you guess where I was? Those of you in Zanesville might recognize it.

And no, Elizabeth did not feature in my story. Though a young woman dressed in a black Lolita dress would have made a good story. I remember buying her dresses like this when she was a mere babe.

Picture It

2011-05-22T05:29:00.000-07:00

I couldn't take a decent picture of the underside of this mushroom, so I plucked it. My friend laughed when I held it up to take against the sky background. I really love the detail on it.

When you are writing detail is important, but when is it too much? I, personally, struggle with not enough detail. Though there are times when I am reading that my eyes begin to glaze over when there is too much. So, where do you strike the balance?

Some detail will help your reader visualize the setting. The reader will fill in the rest, according to their own experiences. So, upon entering a room, don't tell where each piece of furniture is located... just note what's important to the scene to give the reader the picture. You need to decide what details are important to the setting and what's not, then show the reader. For example: Callie tripped over the throw rug as she entered the apartment. Or Blood splattered on the Van Gogh. Whatever moves your character through the scene without holding him or her back. Invoking your readers five senses is a good way to create a scene, but then again moderation is the key here, too!

Like I said I am still trying to work this out for myself. Practice makes perfect. So, remember it's all in the detail.

Links: Description, Dialogue, Narrative, Using Setting and Description

The Juggling Act

2011-05-20T03:35:00.000-07:00

One of the things that resonated with me at the conference (the Cleveland Rocks Romance Conference) is that published writers are often doing a juggling act. For instance- you'll be in the middle of writing a book that's on a deadline, when you have to edit the one you already submitted.

So, how do you set your mind to go back to the first story without forgetting the one you are currently working on? I am sure this is different for everyone, but I tend to read my story to get back into that frame of mind. Some people use music (a different song list for each book), while other people change their location (only work on the new material at the office and editing at a coffee shop or vice-versa).

I think the same goes for writing different types of stories. For instance, I write mostly flash fiction. This literally keeps all those ideas at bay (the voices in my head). Once in awhile a poem will take hold, or even a children's story, not to mention the novels I want to finish. I think it's important to learn what works for you and do it on a regular basis, so that when you have a deadline, you can switch gears back and forth as needed.

So, how do you juggle working on more than one piece?

Remember it's your imagination, so the sky's the limit!

Waiting Game.

2011-05-16T04:47:00.000-07:00

I pitched John Dunham's Diary on Saturday. Though I had been working on this for weeks, I still hadn't come up with a one to two sentence pitch about the story. Finally, at the last moment this came to me: John Dunham's Diary is about a vampire slayer who travels to Ireland from America. When Dublin falls under ever increasing attacks from supernatural forces, John and his friends try to protect the unsuspecting citizens. I think I even managed to stammer most of this out when I spoke to Whitney Ross from Tor. The 7 minutes went by really quickly, and in the end she handed me her card and said she'd like to read the first 50 pages.

I am going to mail them tomorrow. I have to get some of the squares that popped up in the copy I had printed up at staples before I mail it. Then it's the waiting game. Whitney says she tries to get back promptly, but it can take a couple of months.

Dead to the World

2011-05-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

I am preparing to go to the Cleveland Rocks Romance Conference this weekend. So I will be out of touch for a bit. Though I will bring my little pink computer with me, I know from past experience that I won't have time to get online, even if I did I'll be dead to the world.

The conference is high energy and it drains me as if there are energy vampires draining the life from me. I know that my inability to keep a high energy flow is due to the fibromyalgia and the fact that I overdo things when I am away, but I have yet to find a way to handle this. The fact is if I do too much, I will pay for it.

In spite of this, I am looking forward to attending this year's conference. I am meeting with an editor from Tor to pitch my novel and I'm excited. We discussed this yesterday at our write-in and my friends told me I have a chance. I said, "That would be cool." I know I blushed. I believe in my story, but will someone else? It's nerve wracking to think about it. I can only hope that I don't stutter and stammer when I speak with Whitney Ross.

My niece, Elizabeth (pictured above), and I will be on the road on Friday and head back on Sunday. Hopefully, Monday I will get back my posts back online.

Friends and Foes

2011-05-08T03:08:00.000-07:00

Today, I will spend a couple of hours with some friends.

We do this every Sunday, but today we had to make reservations to insure that we have a table. For today is Mother's Day!

Us girls (women if you prefer) like our Sunday Brunches. It gives us a chance to talk about whatever is on our minds. Since we are writers, invariably we talk about that. We are avid readers, so we recommend books to each other too.

One of the subjects we spoke of months ago was my Nanowrimo, John Dunham's Diary. What makes a compelling foe. I have introduced Cain as John's antagonist. My friend and my brother, who have so graciously read through the second draft, were not convinced that Cain was the bad guy throughout the book. One even so far as went to suggest that I should bring in a different nemesis at the climax.

Is it alright to do this I ask myself. Do readers want a surprise? Is it possible to drop hints without ever mentioning the real antagonist until the climax? These are all questions that I must take into consideration as I re-write "the diary."

I can only hope that whatever I decide, readers will like.

Reading Aloud and Author Talks

2011-05-06T04:32:00.000-07:00

I went to the John McIntire Library last night to hear Lisa Black speak on writing and her novels. An interesting talk with lots of audience participation.

For me it was easier when I opened up the floor for questions. My audience was tough and they asked hard questions. Sometimes challenging me about the genre I write. But in the end it was worth it and I enjoyed it. I hope that whenever I release my novel that my audience will participate too!

Readers (Audience) are the mainstay of any writer. We may be writing for ourselves, but without readers we won't make money. I, personally, love it when others read my stories or I read them to others.

Reading aloud is something I have been practicing. I need to slow down and enunciate my words and I have been getting better with the help of friends who offer constructive criticism and helpful advice.

I hope to hear you someday real soon!

Just Write

2011-05-04T06:04:00.000-07:00

What makes you a writer?

The simple answer is that you write! I wholly believe this to be true. I think that if you want to be a writer than you should write. Don't talk about it- Just Do It!

The next step is to actively work to make your writing the best it can be. (You may have notice from time to time, that I have no comma sense.) I used to keep my sentences short and concise, but this makes a piece choppy. Short sentences can speed up a section, where as long sentences can slow it down. Knowing my short comings is one step closer to becoming a better writer.

How do you become a better writer. Remember you cannot always judge your own work, because you carry the story, the characters, etc. in your head. So, it better if you have others read your work. If you want to become a better writer, look for someone to read your work with a critical eye. Criticism is hard, but it helps us grow as writers.

One thing I noticed, when I began submitting my flash fiction pieces to magazines, ezines and the occasional anthology, is that the editor would tell me they liked my work, but couldn't use it or it made it to the final round, but wasn't accepted. I could have given up, right then and there, but I decided to examine my work more closely. When I did, I found that I left some of the details out. (Yes, many take a minimalist approach of flash fiction.) I left the 5 senses out. These little things help form the picture in the readers mind. I still leave them out, but I need to go back and read my piece and insert them into the story.

Bottom line is that you want to improve your work. Writing groups are a great place to help you learn to be a better writer. Workshops and conferences offer opportunities for you to learn craft. There are books on the subject, like Stephen King's On Writing and a myriad of writing magazines, like Writer's Digest. Let's not forget blogs... The Writing Career Coach and There Are No Rules by Jane Friedman are just two of the many blogs that want to help writers succeed.

You don't have to be published to be a writer, but I think that even hobbyist owe it to themselves to be the best writer they can be.

Just write!

The Write-on Writers Conference

2011-05-02T04:53:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a great day. I networked with others and spread the word about The 2011 Y-City Writers Conference and The Sign in the Window Conference Contest. People seemed excited about it. I didn't bring nearly enough postcards with the contest information, but I passed out business cards to people too!

The Keynote Speaker, Dan Barnes was interesting. He sited some books to read: A Canary for One by Ernest Hemmingway, Roman Fever by Edith Warton and The Gardner by Rudyard Kipling.

Taking Your Book from Idea to Publication by Mary Clemens Meyer

Another interesting person, she almost had me convinced to start canning. And those who know and love me can tell you that I do not cook often.

She's says the number one thing for any writer to do is read, read, read!

For fiction -plot twists and in non-fiction -tips you want and need.

In order to land a publishing contract, you must write a good book!

Tips of what an Editor looks for:

Unique Idea

A Good Plot (Editor can fix grammar and flow of story, but not the plot!)

Action- don't bog down with too many letters. You want to keep the action moving. Non-fiction- Flow of ideas.

Rights

Most boos are done with author royalties. Each publisher is different.

Tweaking Ideas and Slanting your Stories by Julie Scudder Dearyan

Rejection and re-direction.

You are an active writer if you are getting rejected.

Magazines are about the editor. The editor is about the readers. So slant your articles toward the reader. You want a broad theme with a narrow focus.

Be on the lookout for new markets. Ask yourself, "Who is the audience?" and "How many freelance articles does this magazine accept?"

Brain Storming- "Life's fodder for writing."

List what is happening in your life (maybe 5 broad themes.) i.e. homeschooling

Then think about what makes your idea unique.

Why are you an expert in this area? (experience)

Learn your strengths and tailor them to fit the market.

Query Letters Editors determine from your query letter if you can write effectively.

One sentence hook (Slanting your ideas to the magazine.) Write to a specific demographic, but narrow focus. Be creative. Seasons and Holidays are good times, but not major ones. Submit at least 6 months - 1 year in advance.

The Header of your email - Address it to an actual editors email/mail. You can find this online or in Writers Market, also on Writers Market.

If an email- From: Your Name, Subject: Query: Brief description of proposal or Article: Name of Article

Dear John Doe -Do not put to whom it may concern or dear sir. Find out their name! It is acceptable to use their name when you don't know whether they are a Mr., Miss, Ms., Mrs. or Dr., etc.

The Hook- Grab the editors attention! Problem or solution hook- 1 sentence.

The informative hook:

2-3 lines of information. Don't begin with personal information, don't brown nose and don't tell them you've never been published.

The Pitch- Let the editor know what you are offering. Describe what you are going to bring out.

Credentials- professional experience. (your life experience- credentials, teaching experience, interviews)

The Close- I look forward to your reply. Clips of what you've published. (Maybe online now or on your website.

The Address Block - Name, address, phone #, email address with your name not some made up one.

Save a file so you remember what you sent.

Use the same ideas for different magazines (similar concept with new slant- tailor each query to the magazine.

The conference wrapped up with selected poetry readings and an open mic. I read my entry for last years Dead Silence Conference Contest, In Memory Of. There seemed to be a collective gasp when I finished reading the story. One lady came up to me to tell me she was waiting for the hook in the story and then I read the ending. She told me great job. I am so blushing right now from just remembering.

Conferences and Workshops

2011-04-29T04:44:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, I will be at The Write-on Writers Conference in Coshocton, OH. Registration begins at 8 AM and the conference ends at 4:30 PM, so I will be out of touch until Sunday.

They will have a keynote speaker, two sets of workshops and a poetry and prose reading with Open Mic.

I will be taking: Book: Idea to Publication in the morning and Slanting Your Stories in the afternoon.

Maybe I'll break through my shyness and read one of my stories at the Open Mic. Yes, you heard me right, I am shy. Couldn't you tell? Good, I try to hide it, but I still feel like running every time I read in public.

Speaking of conferences- Elizabeth and I will be attending the Cleveland Rocks Romance Conference in May. We decided that we love the people at this conference, so rather than trying something new, we'd stick to what we know!

And of course, The Y-City Writers Conference will be here before you know it. It's on October 8, 2011 from 9-5, so there is plenty of time for you to get in on that one. I'll post more on that when I have our speaker line-up. We, the Y-City Writers, also, host a writing contest for the conference with the theme of The Sign in the Window for the prompt. For rules go to our site. Heidi is taking entries now in poetry, fiction or non-fiction stories 1250 word limit.

Just Sayin'

2011-04-28T05:52:00.000-07:00

Slang... Should you use it in your writing? There is no right or wrong answer here.

Some leave it out, because they want their work to be current for whatever age group reads it. Others use it when writing historical pieces. It is up to you as the writer to know when to put it in and when to leave it out, though sometimes you will defer to your editor.

While writing John Dunham's Diary, I found myself consciously leaving our (21st century and 20th century) slang out. Though, some snuck in there anyway. For instance, guy... Is that something they would have said in the 19th century? One of my friends caught that one and I am sure their may have been others that slipped in as well.

Does the work need to be historically accurate? No, but that may make your reader doubt what you are telling them, so it's better to get your facts straight and this includes your slang.

For instance, I watch Merlin on SyFy... Not all of there words would have been used in that century. Then again, we wouldn't understand much of what they were saying if it were historically accurate, so maybe in this case it's okay. Though I find myself thinking about some of the slang they use and this jumps me out of the story.

Taking your reader out of the story is not a good thing, so it is your responsibility to prevent this as much as possible. You don't want to give your reader a reason to put down the book. You want them to keep reading, so you should try to make your story as historically accurate as possible.

Here are some links for 19th Century Slang. Manly Slang from the 19th Century, 19th Century Slang Dictionary, British Slang, How to Speak 19th Century and Cockney Rhyming Slang.

We are lucky in our society today, since we have the internet, so why not use it to make your writing pop? Just sayin'!

Poetry in Motion...

2011-04-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have noticed that I am not a poet from reading the entries I have posted of my so called poems. Sometimes poetry moves me, because of the emotion that I feel coming from it. I think this is what poetry should do, no matter what style is employed. Poetry should elicit an emotion. I am in awe of those who manage to infuse feelings into their poems. I don't think I have attained this height with my poetry, though I strive to insert emotions into everything I write. Sometimes, the emotions that I elicit is unintentional, especially humor. I have never tried to put humor into my work, but others find it so. This doesn't bother me, because I would love to write funny, witty things. It's just not me. My style is dark and I doubt that is going to change anytime soon!

Writing Groups

2011-04-25T06:34:00.000-07:00

Is it acceptable to join other writing groups? Yes, I think if you have the option you should shop around for a writing group, until you find one that fits your needs. Or in lieu of that start one of your own.

You must decide what you want from a writing group...

Is it for camaraderie?

To improve your writing?

To get published?

To share your work?

Are you a hobbyist?

These are questions to ask yourself. It is your responsibility to find a group that fits your needs. After all, you are only responsible to yourself!

What are my goals?

To write. (I have to do this, the stories won't let me be until I write them down.)

To get published.

To become the best writer I can be.

To help others achieve their potentials.

To share my work with others.

To become a better reader. (I find that I read entirely too fast and my words are not always clear because of this.)

You must decide what you want from a group and become active in one that suits your needs.

Oh, I belong to several in the area. I enjoy being with other writers and talking about writing. In addition to The Y-City Writers' Forum, I belong to Pen & Quill, The Write Away Writers. Also, I am planning on attending some of The Cambridge Writers meetings. I try to take what I need to become a better writer from these groups. I will eventually have to cut some of them out, lest they interfere with my writing. I can justify this because I am not an evening writer.

My Mind is Filled with Slayer!

2011-04-22T04:47:00.000-07:00

Lately, all I have been thinking about is Slayer. How to fix some of the problems with the storyline, should I change my antagonist? I don't know how it will play out as I re-write John Dunham's Diary for the third time. It came so easily as I wrote it in November during Nanowrimo.

The story is once again unfolding in my mind... So, now I only need to settle in at my keyboard and let my mind and fingers take over. I love John Dunham. I can see him in my mind's eye, even though I do not describe him anywhere in the novel. So, perhaps, my readers will have a different picture of him than I do. This is good, because I want you (them) to love him as much as I do and this will work better if you fill in your ideal man with the perameters I have set a 2nd generation Irish-American. Now let your mind fill in the rest.

So, I am sorry for not adding poetry, my mind is taken up with something a little more dear to me. Remember, I said I am not a poet... And if the poetry does not come easily, then it is not going to be good.

Wish me luck. As I type this I am thinking of a poem that John is writing for Annie. See how he fills my mind and even my soul...

Annie

Always angelic with flowing red hair.
Never fearing what's out their.
No is not a word you believe in.
Intelligence beckons everyone to you.
Each morning brings wonders anew.

by John Dunham (aka his author Rita L. Smith)

Not a poet...

2011-04-19T04:46:00.000-07:00

Agh! I woke up thinking about this poem. Now that I am about to write it down, it's gone... Oh, please come back...

Perhaps, it will come to me again. I wrote some poems yesterday, but left them in the car. Hopefully, I'll get them posted soon. In the meantime, write a poem about your family.

Good writing!

Day 14 and 15 PAD

2011-04-15T03:41:00.000-07:00

Invisible Illness

You can’t see it,

but it’s there.

You don’t see my tears,

because they’re on the inside.

You won’t understand,

unless it happens to you.

Lord, I pray you never feel the way I do.

by Rita L. Smith

Loss

It’s in your eyes and on your face,

It’s there in your tears and

even in your smile.

My heart goes out to you,

Though I cannot not feel your pain.

I pray that happiness will again rule your heart,

Until then know that I am here

And will be until you don’t need me anymore.

by Rita L. Smith

If you would like to learn more about fibromyalgia. Check out The Mayo Clinic, The National Fibromyalgia Association and Web MD.

Day 12 and Day 13 PAD

2011-04-13T05:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I didn't post my poem yesterday. I have to admit that I didn't feel like getting back on here when I returned home from the write-in.

Monsters

Rapists and murderers

are in the news.

Genocide and War

aren't far behind.

Everyday someone dies!

Oh, why won't they open their eyes?

Put an end to all the pain.

After all it's a big black stain.

Oh, give me some humanity

so I won't succum to this vanity.

In a society that's all about me,

in our country let's put back the we

and perhaps we can end this misery!

Childhood

I long for the simple things.

Puppies, kittens and babies.

Find the wonder in all things.

Dolls and toy trucks.

You and baby ducks.

Please just let it be…

Day 11

2011-04-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

Use your weather as your prompt to write todays poem. Here is my attempt. Black Sky Green Grass Such a contrast Don't ask my why. Trees bloom Petals fall I walk on the trail while thunder goes boom. Rain drops heavy on my car I drive on Hoping that it stops. by Rita L. Smith

Writer's Quest: Spring Blogfest and Give Aways

2011-04-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

Writer's Quest: Spring Blogfest and Give Aways

Day 10

2011-04-10T03:37:00.001-07:00

Robert Lee Brewer's prompt for day 10 is to write a never poem. Here is my second draft, though not my final. Remember you can work on your poems later, now you just want to write.

Never Again Will I

See your sweet smile,

Hold your hand,

Hug you,

Hear your laughter,

Stay up all night with you,

And I will never see you again.

Goodbye to all I have loved and lost.

~Rita L. Smith

Day 9

2011-04-09T04:42:00.000-07:00

Today's prompt from Napowrimo. Today, try to write a poem backwards. I don’t mean letter by letter, or word by word, but line by line. Start by writing out an old saying that takes the form of a declarative statement. Like “Birds of a feather flock together,” or “A miss is as good as a mile.” That will be the last line of your poem. The next line you write will be the second-to-last, and so on, until you reach the “beginning.” To help you keep your focus, let’s say that the poem has to be an address to someone or something that can’t answer back — a person who is absent, or an animal or inanimate object.

Your Love Stinks

You told me how to dress,

how to think and how to act.

Your love meant everything.

I never wanted to disappoint.

I was never good enough.

You left me wondering

what I did wrong.

Now my heart hurts and is

bleeding like a sieve.

by Rita L. Smith

Day 8 Poem

2011-04-08T05:21:00.000-07:00

Circle of Life

Rain falls lightly on the soft dirt.

Birds sing songs of joy

waiting for it to bring earthworms

just in time for the noon meal.

by Rita L. Smith

Day 7 - Poem a Day

2011-04-07T04:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on Who are "They"? and Other Writing Advice, Laura Moe said to select an album and choose 10 to 12 song titles to write your poem. Instead I chose 10 album titles to write my poem. Love Struggle I stand in the afterglow of love. It ain't easy the grand illusion which I celebrate. On Starship Earth I harbor this great love and yearn for yesterday once more. As I take my final swan song, long may you run on the darkside of the moon. by Rita L. Smith

Day 6 - Poem a day challenge

2011-04-06T03:26:00.000-07:00

Today's PAD prompt from Robert Lee Brewer's Poetic Asides is write a poem using Don't ______ ______. Fill in the blanks with words or phrases and write your poem. Don't Do That Rules, I love them. No rules, chaos reigns. Don't, a common word. All too often used by authorities. Listen, good advice. What is right for you? Need, I don't always desire advice. Often, Take what is right for you and discard the rest. But if it puts you or someone else in danger heed the warning. by Rita L. Smith

Day 5

2011-04-05T04:33:00.000-07:00

Write a rhyming poem.

Finding Love

Busy as a bee,

I say as I flee.

Running to and fro

From where I do not know.

Not stopping for a minute

Until I find you in it.

When true love bites

I am given rights

That afore I never had

And somehow that makes me sad!

By Rita L. Smith

Day 4 - Poem a Day Challenge

2011-04-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I came up with this prompt as I sat in my car between mall-walking and Tai Chi. Take a random thought. (Mine came from the environment and a song that had been in my head since I opened the door this morning.) Now write a poem based on your random thought. Warm Wind Blowing Warm wind. Gloomy day. Storm brews. Thunder booms. Lightning strikes. Rain pours. Sun shines. New life begins! by Rita L. Smith

Day 3- Postcard Poem

2011-04-03T05:14:00.000-07:00

Today I will be using yesterday's Poetic Asides by Robert Lee Brewer prompt: For today's prompt, write a postcard poem. Make it brief and communicate what it is like where you are. Also, make it personal. My poem is on the way, but I am having trouble producing line breaks with my smart phone. In the meantime, get poeming.

My Village

This little village I call home

has given me safe harbor

from horrors in the world.

Offering inspiration

in my darkest dreams

to put to paper when I wake.

by Rita L. Smith

Day 2

2011-04-02T02:50:00.000-07:00

Today I picked out 9 words (It was supposed to be 12, but at 5 a.m. I can't count. Heck I can't always count on a good day) from the titles of books on a nearby bookshelf to use in my poem. It will not surprise you (if you know my preferred genre) to know that the words I chose are

Dracula, Keys, Mourning, Soul, Black, Heart, Forever, Hero and Prince.

Here is my poem. There is no rhyming in this one. Keep in mind these are only rough drafts.

Dracula by Rita L. Smith

The Prince of darkness yearns for love.

And the one who holds the keys to his black heart.

One soul mourning for a heroine to end his lonely existence.

Eternal Dracula, Forever Vampire

April Fools and Poetry

2011-04-01T03:43:00.000-07:00

Today is April 1st, aka April Fool's Day. This month is National Poetry Month. The goal here, at least for writers, is to write a poem a day. For everyone else try to read a poem or more a day. Can you do it? Perhaps with a little help you can. Of course if you are a poet, then you can, you just might need to wait until next month to fine tune them. Here are a couple of sites that will help you along you poetry journey.

http://www.napowrimo.net/

http://laura-moe.blogspot.com/2011/03/poem-day-for-all-you-april-fools.html

http://blog.writersdigest.com/poeticasides

I am going to use a the prompt from Napowrimo.

1. Use a color as your title.

2. Write against what people associate with that color. If your color is yellow, write a sad poem. If your color is blue, write a cheery poem.

3. Invoke the name of a poet they way you’d invoke your own name in a ghazal.

4. Take a look at the Wikipedia page on poetic forms and choose a form. Write the poem in that form.

5. Use a form of water in your poem– ice, drop, drip, drizzle, mist, etc.

I chose to write in the ghazal poetic form. http://www.baymoon.com/~ariadne/form/ghazal.htm

Here is my poem for better or worse and I fear the worse.

Red

Calming, it will put me to sleep.

My dreams this color will keep.

Lovely pictures float in my head

as I lay down in my bed.

All too soon I awake refreshed and ready for the day.

Better prepared for come what may.

Emily Dickenson was red the color of your muse?

Or was it just a ruse?

Come quick and join me in my dreams

Not is all as it seems.

My dreams wrap me gently like a mist,

holding so much creative promise.

By Rita L. Smith

Slow Down...

2011-03-30T04:04:00.000-07:00

These are words to live by (at least for me) when you are reading or speaking in public. When I am nervous, I speed through whatever it is before me. I have to consciously think about slowing the pace. I have been accused of being a boring reader. To combat this I have been listening to others share their work. I listen to the advice of others. Now I know where my problem areas are, it's just a matter of putting what I have learned into practice. I practice reading aloud at home with the husband giving feedback. I practice reading into my recorder, so I can hear my problem areas. Most importantly, I read my work in front of others. As they say practice really does make perfect.

I have identified my problem areas:

I read too fast.

I don't enunciate my words.

My voice is flat.

What I need to practice:

Slow down.

Pronounce each word carefully.

Add some inflection to my stories.

Hopefully all this will make me a better reader. If not I will just take advice from my friends and family, until I get better. While I may never be perfect, (let's face it, who is?) hopefully, I won't bore my audience.

Writers at the Crossroads

2011-03-25T03:41:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 26 at 11 AM, local writers will gather at the Crossroads Library in Cambridge to read and share their work.

Among those reading are Y-City Writers Linda Regula, Emily Imes, Cindy Sterling, Laura Moe, Rita Smith, and Kathy Campbell. Linda, Rita, Emily and Laura will be signing their books.

Other writers sharing will be J. Paulette Forshey, Pam Ritchey Marilyn Durr, Carey Mozena, Lisa Bell, Cambridge; Barb Kernodle-Allen, Linda Burris, Donna Wells, Mary Lu Warstler, Beverly Kerr, and Luna Lea Hayes.

Please come out and support your favorite local authors!

Around and Around We Go

2011-03-19T05:22:00.000-07:00

Why do you write? Hopefully, it's to satisfy a need deep within you. In the writing world one often hears others say, "Write for yourself!"

And why not write for yourself? After all you are the one you must please the most. The rest is collateral. Don't get me wrong - It's a fabulous feeling when others like your work. But if you aren't writing for yourself then writing becomes work!

In some ways writing is work. Often times writers have to force themselves to write, but this makes the writer better. Practice makes perfect. With writing this old adage is true, as long as you learn along the way. That is why writers share their work with others and put themselves out there. It is so we can grow as writers, become better!

There are some writers who may never share their work. Are they growing? It depends if they are learning along the way. That is the key to becoming a better writer- to keep learning!

I know that although I finished Twilight Dance, it is far from complete. The story needs a complete overhaul. Even John Dunham's Diary, which will end up being called Slayer is in the process of being re-written. The latter is one of my better efforts at writing a novel and it's still not finished. Further more, I as a writer know it's not finished. I have gotten a critique from a friend of mine and know what I need to work on. I still love John Dunham's Diary and hopefully this will carry me through with all the re-writes. Unfortunately, I know that Twilight Dance needs a major overhaul. I think maybe it needs to be in first person or from John Dunham's P.O.V. I say from John's point of view, because he is the character that stood out to this author. If he popped out of the novel into his own novel, then maybe he is the central force in Twilight Dance as well.

So, though I enjoyed writing T.D., it's far from ready. The Diary is much closer to being completed, but it's not ready either. The bottom line is that I enjoyed writing both stories. I am learning as I go along. I hope I keep learning for the rest of my life!

Publishing on Kindle

2011-03-13T05:28:00.000-07:00

Have you published on Kindle? I uploaded my book, More Flashes From My Mind, yesterday. Fortunately, Kindle allows the file to be reviewed before you submit it. Unfortunately, it took me a good part of the day to make sure each story began on it's own page.

I finally submitted it and today it's available on Kindle. Despite my best efforts some of the stories still begin on the previous stories page. I am guessing that it is easier if you don't have 100 stories (albeit under 1000 words each) to fix. (Btw- it's available on Kindle for $2.99.)

I am glad I discovered how to convert my word file to html, but someone said that word often adds wonky things into conversions. Maybe next time I'll try rtf instead before I convert it to html.

I wonder how the other e-publishers do it? I know some of the books I have purchased on Kindle are messed up, but many are not. So I know it's possible to have a beautiful ebook.

I haven't tried uploading to smashwords or other e-publishing sites so I cannot comment on them. Though I haven't heard complaints about them. Give me your opinions.

To Be or Not to Be?

2011-02-28T04:02:00.000-08:00

That is a question many writers are asking themselves.

Should I submit my novel (insert baby, here) to a publisher? If I do will I lose control over it? I want to choose the cover... Can I? Will they change my title? These are questions I hear all the time from other writers. The answer is yes and no. I guess it depends on what rights you sign away... I have heard horror stories (well maybe not exactly horror, but something akin to it when the author's novel (remember I said to insert baby) has been given a new name, a new look and sometimes things have been added or taken out of the text and not just subtle changes.

Another question that keeps popping up is how much will I get paid? This is different for everyone... I have been told that very few writers get those big advances (and if you do get an advance then you don't get any royalties until that is paid back.) Some authors say they only get change per book sold, not dollars. So is it worth it? That is a question you have to ask yourself.

On the other hand it's getting much easier to self publish. The costs can vary, but with print on demand it can be minimal output to the writer (often times you need only purchase the proofs.) If you do this than your royalty on a 220 pg book (6X9) that sells for $15.00 on Amazon will be $3.10. If you sell through kindle your royalties can be 70%. And if your purchase copies to sell, you can make more of a profit even if you direct sell cheaper than Amazon. And there are ways to get your books into bookstores now. What do you really have to lose by self-publishing?

Okay... One of the chief things I hear from writers is that if they go with a publishing house they will get marketing for their books. I have heard that this marketing is out of pocket for most authors and often times with the lesser known authors it is up to them to market their work entirely!

You decide what's best for you. It is the only way you'll be happy! As for me, I think that though I often have delusions of grandeur, I will probably self-publish Slayer: John Dunham's Diary.

Book Review: Parallel Lines by Laura Moe

2011-02-12T04:56:00.001-08:00

Parallel Lines by Laura Moe takes us on a journey as Nick grows from a punk kid with no future into a young adult with a more promising outlook on life. It is an emotionally charged look at teenagedom through a teens diary interspersed into the story. The story shows how one teacher can make a difference and how once Nick begins opening up to her (Mrs. C.) he opens himself up to others.

I enjoyed this YA novel immensely and recommend it to others especially teenagers. Although I left childhood behind many years ago I could identify with Nick as will any reader.

Book Review- Vampires, Zombies and Ghosts, Oh My! (and Other Creatures of the Night Stories)

2011-02-03T04:32:00.000-08:00

What a surprising collection of stories... From the scary to the romantic, this book has it all. And as the title suggests there are many types of creatures to capture the readers imagination.

I particularly liked Eve Paludan's Pandora's Boxes - A timeless tale of true love which stirs the ghostly imagination. Eve is also the publisher for this anthology- So kudos to her for putting together this ecclectic collection of "monster" stories.

The real gem of the collection is Chris Hugh, who has two stories in the anthology. Death House Mansion Inc. and The Bride of Frankenstein Dances with Celebrity.

All the stories are well written, save for a few minor typos which this reader can overlook due to the quality of the stories.

I highly recommend VAMPIRES, Zombies and Ghosts, Oh My! (and Other Creatures of the Night STORIES) Anthology!

Zanesville Making Money Writing Seminar

2011-01-31T08:43:00.000-08:00

If you dream of making a living with your writing this workshop is for you. A friend and past speaker of the Y-City Writers Conference is coming to Zanesville. Tiffany Colter will put on an all day workshop for those interested in making money with their writing. Even if you don't wish to start a career in writing, I have found that Tiffany inspires me to get my creative juices flowing.

Zanesville Making Money Writing Seminar

www.regonline.com

When: Saturday, February 19, 2011 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Eastern Time). Where: Zanesville Art Institute, 620 Military Road Zanesville, Ohio 43701 United States. Phone: 734.474.5489, Email: Tiffany@WritingCareerCoach.com

Zanesville Making Money Writing Seminar

2011-01-31T05:42:00.000-08:00

Zanesville Making Money Writing Seminar

www.regonline.com

Flashes and more...

2011-01-24T05:19:00.000-08:00

I have recently re-joined the Yahoo Group Flash Xrs. I think that having to write a story in under 1000 words will help me get my creative juices flowing. Though I need to learn to separate novel writing from flash fiction writing, since the latter is a complete story in under 1000 words (some people think in under 500 words.)

Here is an example of flash fiction or a vignette.

Skin Deep by Rita L. Smith

(Word Count 98)

Prompt: "What do you think of my new dress?"

A skin tight mermaid dress showed off her fat. Her hair was a mess. The makeup didn’t hide the wrinkles. Blind date indeed! My friends certainly must have been blind to fix me up with this creature.

“Well, how do I look?”

“Uh, ah. Are you going to a costume party?”

“As a matter of fact I am.”

I sighed. My date and I were going to a movie.

“Well?” she asked.

“What?”

“How do I look?”

“Fine.” I answered as my date entered the room.

I ran… I could have dealt with the mermaid, but the snake…

After Nano

2011-01-20T04:17:00.000-08:00

In the daze that follows a month of writing non-stop to reach a goal of 50,000 words what does a writer do?

Well, I began strong and continued writing by working on a novel in progress... While at the same time editing my Nano...

Then I came to a screeching halt. Why? For me it was a tragedy. My dog ran away and this put me into a daze. Even when he was returned 8 days later, I found that my momentum I had developed during November has not returned.

I am trying to climb back out of the hole my depression put me in, but it is a slow process. I am writing something everyday. Though sometimes it's only the prompt for my writing groups twitter page @YCityWriters. I have been blogging and trying to motivate myself by posting on my facebook fan page @Vampires, Shapeshifters and Witches... , both of which help to focus me.

I have continued the write-ins though not as frequently as we had them in November. These sessions are good in that they allow some of us to continue writing to finish our Nanos, allow others to edit our Nanos while others work on a totally unrelated story (as I have been) and for us to get feedback on our stories, help us through blocks and even get help with the title or covers for our nano projects.

The Y-City Writers Forum is a tremendous support for me as well. Plus all of my friends and family offer me encouragement. My heart appreciates this and I am sure I don't thank them nearly enough.

So what is your life like after Nano?

Lost

2010-12-12T05:15:00.001-08:00

8 year old male Keeshond. Answers to Danny. Lost in South Zanesville, Ohio. If found please notify me (Rita) at petsittersmith@gmail.com. He is friendly and sweet.

Writer's Quest: The Nano Blues

2010-12-03T07:25:00.000-08:00

Writer's Quest: The Nano Blues

Writer's Quest: Nano-ing

2010-11-12T03:48:00.000-08:00

Writer's Quest: Nano-ing

Y-City Writers' Forum: Holiday Book Fair

2010-10-25T04:43:00.000-07:00

Y-City Writers' Forum: Holiday Book Fair: "HOLIDAY BOOK FAIR Saturday, December 11, 2010 • 11 a.m. until 7..."

2010 Y-City Writers Conference and Contest

2010-07-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

Y-City Writers’ Conference

October 9, 20108:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Coburn United Methodist ChurchMaple Avenue
Zanesville, OH 43701

Our Speakers:Jane Friedman from Writer’s Digest Magazine will deliver a keynote address on “The Future of Publishing.”, John Thorndike will share his knowledge on “Writing and Marketing Your Memoirs.”, Bob Welsh is an author & inspirational speaker., Toni Leland will be conducting a workshop on “Cover Design”, Aaron Keirns will speak on: "Self-publishing: Straightforward advice From a Veteran Self-publisher", Joanne McGonagle will provide valuable information on “Marketing.”, Robert Loewendick will share his experience as an Outdoor/Travel Writer., Lisa Stein will speak on the “Adventure into Biography Writing”, Mary Lu Warstler will speak on: “Life’s Mysteries.”, Terry W. Ervin will present on the basics of dialogue, from proper punctuation and tags, to effectively employing it in works of fiction., James and Marilyn Kousoulas will speak about their children’s book, “The Case of the Missing Egg.”, Tiffany Colter will inspire writers with information on how she has more than tripled her business recently and how you too can capitalize in this economy., June Harman Betts will share her knowledge of turning life stories into historical fiction., Laura Moe will share her knowledge of poetry. Here is a sample of her work for your enjoyment.

Cost: $30.00 for all others ($15.00 /students) includes breakfast and lunch.
For registration go to www.ycitywriters.com or visit our blog at http://ycitywritersforum.blogspot.com/.

Conference Contest
· Theme: Dead Silence· Genre: Any (Romance, Western, Historical, Young Adult, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Fantasy,Horror, Mystery, etc.)
· Type: Fiction or non-fiction stories, Poetry

· Word Limit: 1250 words· Deadline: September 9, 2010

· Submit to Rita at ycitywritersforum@gmail.com

· Word doc attachments only (No snail mail)· Free to conference attendees.

· $25.00 cash prize to the first place winners. Ribbons and all contestants will be able to purchase books at cost.

*Fiction/Non-fiction Stories, Poetry, Under 18 Fiction/Non-fiction Stories and Poetry

Free to conference attendees. $5.00 for all other entries.

By submitting an entry to the contest you are giving consent to be published in an anthology by The Y-City Writers due out next October.

Y-City Writers' Forum: 2010 Conference Contest

2010-07-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

Y-City Writers' Forum: 2010 Conference Contest

Blog Tour

2010-03-18T10:13:00.001-07:00

Flashes From My Mind

2010-02-04T03:43:00.000-08:00

Jon from The Wicker Library did a nice review of Flashes From My Mind. To read it go to http://thewickerlibrary.blogspot.com/2010/01/flashes-from-my-mind-collection-of.html

This group of industrious young people reviews books they read and posts them on their blog.

Rita

The Country House Courtship by Linore Rose Burkhard

2010-02-03T10:05:00.001-08:00

England, 1818: It has been five years since Ariana Forsythe married The Paragon, Mr. Phillip Mornay. Now, Ariana's sister, Miss Beatrice Forsythe, is seventeen and determined to marry advantageously as well. (Surely Ariana's society connexions all but guarantee Beatrice's success-especially if Mr. Mornay is created a baronet by the Prince Regent!

But the Mornay's have disappeared from high society as they raise a family at their country estate. Can Beatrice persuade them to chaperone her in London? And what about her business with the curate, Mr. O'Brien, whom Beatrice rashly promised to marry years earlier? She is too sophisticated now to settle for a mere clergyman-despite his agreeable countenance and gentle, understanding ways. When Mr. Tristan Barton becomes tenant of the Manor House, Beatrice's hopes seem to have found their object. But when Ariana falls gravely ill, secrets come to light, motives are revealed, and pretenses that are easy to keep up in the darkness begin to crumble. As hearts are bared and truths uncovered, a country house courtship like no other cannot be far behind! Fans of Linore's first books, Before the Season Ends, and The House on Grosvenor Square, will be delighted with final addition to the Regency Inspirational Series, as will all readers of historical romance.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Country House Courtship. It kept this reader immersed in the story. Though it’s a Regency Romance it had its share of suspense and action. Linore Rose Burkhard is a master of words, character development and the Regency era. Her work is reminiscent of Jane Austen, though this reader feels Ms. Burkhard’s work is much easier to read. Both Christian readers and Regency readers will be as delighted as I am with The Country House Courtship.

A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Linore Rose Burkhard when she spoke at The Y-City Writers’ Conference. She is as charming and sweet in person as she is online. She writes a newsletter which is chock full of facts about the Regency, as well as contests and prizes.

I look forward to reading Linore Rose Burkhard’s next novel.

Rita L. Smith

Published

2010-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

My flash fiction story, At First Glance has been published in an anthology by The Short Humour Site in People of Few Words, Volume 2. This is my only science fiction story to date, though I have an idea for another. -Rita
http://ritalsmith.com

FOLLOWING YOUR DREAM

2010-01-18T05:46:00.000-08:00

How do I become a writer?

My advice is to just write! It's that simple. If you don't write you will never be a writer. Don't worry about publishing, the first thing you must do is to write. Now that you have written your piece, get it critiqued. Take your critique partners advice to make your writing better, re-write, now get some readers opinions. Develop a thick skin since not everyone will like your work, including editors when you finally are ready to submit your work for publication. \

Writing gets better the more you do it and learn from others.

I suggest writing something everyday, even if it's only in your journal.

-Rita
http://ritalsmith.com

Building Online Presence

2010-01-03T04:32:00.001-08:00

In keeping with our post on self-marketing, I came across an article by the San Francisco Writers Conference (SFWC).

I hope it helps.

-Rita
http://ritalsmith.com

More on Marketing

2010-01-02T05:41:00.000-08:00

Another strategy you can use is to start a mail lists. Mail lists are made up of people who chose to opt in to receive updates on your work, helpful hints, free stories, etc. Building this mail list will make it easier to promote your work when you are ready to sell it, especially since you are already marketing yourself.

The following are free services you can use to begin... Mail Chimp, IContact are two sources that I have found. Mail Chimp was recommended by Joanne McGonagle -The Tiniest Tiger. It is free, though they offer paid services as well. I Contact is not free, though it has a trial offer. I am going with Mail Chimp myself.

Make sure the people you send out mass mailings to have opted in to your mailing list. You do not want to be called a spammer.

~Rita
http://ritalsmith.com

Pre-Marketing

2009-12-30T03:17:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine, Joanne McGonagle, author of The Tiniest Tiger has been reiterating the power of marketing. She knows that it will be easier to get a publisher if you currently have a following. Author Linore Rose Burkhard was able to get a contract from a publishing house after she initially self-published Before the Season Ends due to some aggressive online marketing.

So how do you begin this marketing? Simple use your computer. It's low cost and most of the time it's free.

Make your presence known.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to blog. There are many free blog sites. I am particularly fond of this one.
Read others blogs and leave comments with your name and a way for others to find you. No more anonymous posts.
Facebook and Twitter offer a new way of getting your name and work out there. My facebook fan page is Vampires, Shapeshifters and Witches... My Twitter account is @VampiresFriends. See thetiniesttiger on facebook and twitter. Joanne has garnered some amazing followers of her cat, Gracey. They have been responsible for her setting up a fund for animals.
Leave book reviews on Amazon.com. Again make sure you leave a way for people to find you.
Your website may be your most important tool. This will allow others to find out about you and your work.
There are other helpful sites that will make your presence on the web known. Linked In, Mail Chimp, Google.

All of the above are things you can do before your book comes out. When Joanne finished The Tiniest Tiger she emailed Jack Hannah asking for an endorsement. After reading her ms (manuscript) he gave it. Sometimes all you have to do is ask. The worst thing that will happen is that you are told no. Let's face it, we're writers and we're used to people telling us no!

-Rita

http://ritalsmith.com/

Vampires, Shapeshifters and Witches... Facebook fan page

2009-12-28T05:09:00.000-08:00

Vampires, Shapeshifters and Witches... For the 25 person to become a fan, he/she and the person who recommends them will receive a free flash fiction story emailed to them.

FIND ME ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

2009-12-27T05:23:00.000-08:00

Find me on facebook...

Rita Lynn Kelly Smith is a fan of

Vampires, Shapeshifters and Witches...

Create your Fan Badge

Find me on Twitter... http://twitter.com/VampiresFriends

Re-naming Twilight Dance

2009-12-18T17:06:00.000-08:00

I need to come up with a new title for my story. With the Twilight series, I think others will think that I am trying to capitalize on another's success, even though I named my story 10 years ago when I wrote the first chapter of the book.

We came up with Blood Magic in my critique group, but a google search turned up a book with that same title. So, it's back to the drawing board.

If anyone has any suggestions let me know.

Twilight Dance

2009-12-01T12:46:00.002-08:00

If you check back through my posts, I have been working on Twilight Dance for years now, though I never made it past the beginning and the revisions... I began to write it before I quit working in 2002.

Guess what? It's completed. It isn't novel length, but rather a novella or novelite. But it's done! And I am celebrating!!!

Tomorrow, I will read the story to see how it flows and make comments on things I will need to add or re-write. But it's done! It's done! It's done!!!

Our critique group meets Friday and we will see where we are going from there!

Rita
ritalsmith.com

Finally A Perfect Ending!

2009-12-01T12:33:00.000-08:00

Twilight Dance finally has an ending. Not only that it has a middle too. Some of what I wrote this month might go by the wayside in the re-writes. For now I am celebrating!!!

Tomorrow I will begin to read what I wrote to see if I left any holes, how the story flows, etc. Then it's time to be an editor. That means getting rid of passive verbs, correcting areas where I am telling the story instead of showing it. Oh, I know I'll have to fill in some scenery as well, since I have been writing flash fiction this past 2 years.

Friday, I meet with my partners in crime, I mean friends who have also completed their novels and we will start our critique group.

Rita
ritalsmith.com

Y-City Writers Meeting Tonight

2009-11-17T05:04:00.000-08:00

Today, Tuesday, November 17 at 6:30 PM, the Y-City Writers' Forum has it's bi-monthly meeting. We meet at Central Presbyterian, 40 N. 6th St. in downtown Zanesville. Come and join us. All genres and skill levels are welcome. Our meetings are free.

The prompts for this meeting:

1. Write a story of mostly dialogue.
2. Write a complete story in 150 words

Open Mic

2009-11-10T09:30:00.001-08:00

Open Mic

Bring something of yours to read or just pull up a chair and listen. Bring some friends.

When: Thursday, November 12, 7:00-? P.M.
Where: Weaselboy Brewing Company
126 Muskingum Ave. Suite E
Located along the Muskingum River in downtown Zanesville, OH

Everyone is welcome.

Directions: From I-70 Eastbound (Columbus) Take exit 152 (US 40) towards Zanesville. Turn right on pine (just before the Y-bridge). Turn left on Muskingum Ave.

From I-70 Westbound (Cambridge) Take exit 155 for Underwood St/OH-60/OH-146. Turn left onto Underwood and follow OH-60/OH-146 about .6 mile. Turn right and follow US-40 Main St. Turn left on US-22 crossing the Muskingum River. Take an immediate right after crossing the river onto Muskingum Ave.

Nano Meet-ups

2009-11-08T04:56:00.000-08:00

A few of the Y-City Writers will be getting together on Friday's at 11 AM at The Barn on Linden in Zanesville. If you are attempting this feat please join us. We will discuss our novels and talk about any problems we may be encountering. I hope to see you there.

-Rita
http://ritalsmith.com

Saturday, October 10, 2009

2009-10-08T06:22:00.001-07:00

2009 Y-City Writers' Conference

8AM-5PM

Coburn United Methodist Churchon Maple Avenue

in Zanesville, Ohio

Come join us for a day packed with speakers. We have 9 speakers and the cost of the event is $30. Register at the door.If you write or have a great idea for a book come join us. Find out the secrets of these writers.

Always a Bridesmaid

2009-09-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

I received an honorable mention for Daddy's Special Girl in the Ceramic Museum's writing contest, Theme is Pottery. Congratulations goes out to my friends Heidi Durig Heiby and Summer K. Clark for taking 2nd and 3rd place.

So once again, people liked my story, but it still didn't win. I know that I write flash fiction and everyone doesn't like stories under 1000 words. Now, my dilemna is what do I need to do to make my flash fiction winners?

One way to make my stories better is to spend more time on them. I write and then I am finished. I will start looking them over atleast 3 days later and then give them to a friend to look over. If the friend has any questions, then I probably should answer them before submitting it. I should give them to another writer to look for more technical errors.

If I follow my own advice maybe I will become the bride finally.

Theme is Pottery Contest Winners

2009-09-15T12:58:00.002-07:00

Summer K. Clark (left) took 3rd place and Heidi Durig Heiby (Right) took 2nd place. Congratulations Y-City Writers.

I received an Honorable Mention. So our writing group did really well.

2009 Y-City Writers' Conference Writing Contest

2009-08-20T05:25:00.001-07:00

Theme: Summer's End
Deadline: 9-25-2009
Cost: Must be registered for the conference
Word Limit: 1500
2 Divisions: Students and All others
2 Categories: prose/poetry and fiction/non-fiction
The winners will receive: Refund of conference registration
Your story will be printed in a collection of other stories.
A copy of the book after it's printed.
(Each division will have 2 prize awards for prose/poetry and fiction/non-fiction.)

We have 4 judges:
Linda Regula--local artist and author
Dr. Lisa Stein--Associate Professor of English at OUZ
Mary Anne Suwczuk--Retired school teacher
Marilyn Knell--local artist and retired professor of english

The Y Bridge Anthology

2009-08-05T05:45:00.001-07:00

The Y Bridge: An Anthology of Poetry, Fiction and Nonfiction Stories about Zanesville, Ohio’s famous bridge by the Y-City Writers’ Forum is ready for sale. If you would like a copy write to us at ycitywritersforum@gmail.com. The price is $10 + S&H.

ONE SMALL STEP...

2009-07-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

The Y-City Writers' Forum has just published a collection about the Y Bridge. My flash fiction piece UNDER THE BRIDGE is in the anthology. Finally, I will have something in print. All we are waiting for is the proof copy to arrive, so we can look it over.

Hopefully, we should have some books printed and ready to sell at the Y Bridge Arts Festival on August 7 & 8.

The Y-City Writers will be on hand to read our stories on the bridge at 10 AM on Saturday during the Arts Festival. So, come on down and meet our group of talented writers, buy a book and get it autographed.

Rita
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ritalsmith.com

FUZZY NAVEL by J. A. KONRATH

2009-07-12T05:20:00.001-07:00

Fuzzy Navel is a fast paced, action packed novel. From the moment you pick it up right until the end, the reader is transported into the middle of the main character, Jacquelin "Jack" Daniels fight for her life and those she loves.

This reader was enthralled with the story and couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend it to everyone.

-Rita
http://ritalsmith.com

Red, White and Boom

2009-07-04T04:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day America!!!

2009-07-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

For a writer getting your name out there is almost as important as getting your work out there. Writers want to be recognized, so that when their next title comes out people will buy it. How does a writer go about doing this?

Network: Go to writing workshops, join a writing group, participate in community events, such as poetry readings or open mics, contests, etc.
Join Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.
Leave comments on blogs with your name.
Blog about your work, writing or interesting everyday stuff.
Get your own website. This should be easily searched. i.e. authorsfullname.com or thenameofyourbook.com.

Do the above and you may make a name for yourself, before you are ready to publish your book.Even though I have yet to complete my novel, I have recently created my website. I have blogs (too many) and am on the three communities I listed above.

Rita L. Smith
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://ritalsmith.com/
http://findthatperfectending.blogspot.com/
http://zanesvillewriter.blogspot.com/

Save Our Libraries

2009-06-23T09:24:00.002-07:00

Our libraries are in jeapardy! Governor Strickland has recommended the elimination of $200+ million from the Public Library Fund over the next two years. This means a 50% funding cut. To help stop this contact Governor Strickland and your state and local representatives. For more information go to: http://www.columbuslibrary.org/save_our_library.

Save Our Libraries

2009-06-23T09:24:00.001-07:00

Save Our Libraries

2009-06-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

Y-City Writers' Forum Meeting

2009-06-02T04:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight at 6:30 PM, Y-City Writers gather to share and learn at Central Presbyterian Church, 40 N. 6th St. across from Bryan's Place and next to Firestone Tire's. Membership is free and we welcome an type of writing at any level. Come on in and join us. After the meeting we adjourn to Cracker Barrell for coffee and stimulating conversation.

Writers Groups

2009-05-27T06:52:00.001-07:00

When I first began this blog, I was looking for a local writing group. I couldn't find them in the paper or on the web. I finally asked at the Muskingum County Library and they led me to the Y-City Writers' Forum.

I was made to feel welcome at my first meeting, which kept me coming back. I am still a member and co-chair the Y-City Writers' Conference. I have been developing as a writer due to feedback I get from this wonderful group. They meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 6:30p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 40 N. 6th St. in Zanesville. Free and Open to writers of any level.

This past summer I learned of another writing group out of Crooksville called Pen & Quill. I attend this group as well. This group has introduced me to the joys of community theater, as well. They meet on the third Wed. of every month, at 7:00 p.m., at 266 E. Main Street in Crooksville. Free and Open to writers of any level.

One of the Y-City Writers' and Co-Chair of the Y-City Writers' Conference has began her own writers group, Write Away Writers. They meet the 2nd Thursday of every month, at 6:30 p.m. at BUTTERNUT FARMS RETREAT & EDUCATIONAL CENTER, 16563 Laurell Hill Rd. in Glenford. Free and Open to writers of any level.

So now there are three area writing groups in my little section of Ohio. We have so many writers in the area that I am not surprised. So if you are a writer living near any of these areas feel free to attend one of the meetings. I promise we won't bite...

Writers Groups

2009-05-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

2009-05-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

Which of my blogs should I get rid of.

http://findthatperfectending.blogspot.com/ I use this one all the time.
http://zanesvillewriter.blogspot.com/ I use this one occassionally, but have some stories posted to it.
/http://ritaswrite.blogspot.com/ I use this to speak my mind and to promote awareness for autoimmune diseases.
http://petsittersmith.blogspot.com This is for business.
http://smithpets.blogspot.com/ This one is to practice my characters.

My Cat, My Computer

2009-05-07T04:26:00.000-07:00

Here is something I must contend with when I am working at my computer. My cat Jewel sits on her monitor and hangs her tail down. Sometimes, I think it's unintentional. Other times she is seeking attention and sometimes she does it to be ornery!

I wonder what she'll do when I get a flat screen monitor? But that is far, far down the road, since there is nothing wrong with the one I have.

After I snapped Jewels picture, she turned to glare at me. Today, she is behaving herself. I don't think she liked me taking a picture of her backside.

I love this cat and she is my girl through and through, but as you can see that even this symbiotic relationship has its moments.

Book Review- The House in Grosvenor Square by Linore Rose Burkhard

2009-05-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

About The House in Grosvenor Square:

England, 1813: As Ariana Forsythe plans her wedding, she must adjust to the realization that she will soon become the wife of an extremely wealthy man. She wonders if it's wrong to rejoice that her future husband is rich. But, she promises herself to use her new position to do what she can to aid the numerous street waifs she sees all too often in London. During a tour of her future home-the house in Grosvenor Square-Ariana impulsively makes plans to redecorate (just a little) according to her tastes . But when Philip arrives home later, he is informed that an expensive silver candlestick and a miniature portrait of George III have gone missing. Moreover, each time Ariana visits the house, another item disappears.

When Ariana suffers an abduction attempt by two villains, and other mysterious goings-on are unexplained, Mr. Mornay must unravel the mystery of who is after her, and why. He knows he has to prevent any harm from befalling his future bride, even if it means he must keep her under lock and key in his own house!

Romance, suspense, and a deft touch of humor are part of the wonderful story of Philip Mornay and Ariana Forsythe's march to the altar. Fans of Linore's first book, Before the Season Ends, will love this delightful addition to the Regency Inspirational Series, as will all readers of historical romance.

About the Author:

Linore Rose Burkard creates Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul. Her characters take you back in time to experience life and love during the Regency England era (circa 1800 - 1830). Ms. Burkard's novels include Before the Seasons Ends and The House in Grosvenor Square (coming April, 2009). Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from the Regency period. Experience a romantic age, where timeless lessons still apply to modern life. And, enjoy a romance that reminds you happy endings are possible for everyone.

Book Review:

The House in Grosvenor Square is packed with action. The characters seem to jump off the pages in this well written story. I enjoyed the twists and turns every step of the way. Before the Season Ends and Grosvenor Square blend Ariana's spirituality seemlessly, but I find Phillip Mornay's to be a bit forced. Linore Rose Burkhard's love for the Regency shines through. Jane Austin fans will enjoy both of these books.

I look forward to reading more from this up and coming author. Linore is currently working on the third novel in this series.

Rita L. Smith