A Classic - Rebecca

A book club was just formed at my office. We're planning to read a variety of genres. But, we decided to begin with a classic so it would be easy for everyone to get a copy at the library, Powells, or another bookstore. We are beginning with a novel by British author Daphne du Maurier. Rebecca.

"Rebecca" is a classic and is a combo mystery / thriller that was made into a movie by Alfred Hitchcock.

I'll let you know what I think when I'm done.

50 Year Wedding Anniversary - Kay and Dennis

Why do some couples stay together and others . . . don't?

Sunday was Kay and Dennis Russum's 50th Wedding Anniversary so I asked Kay for a few words of wisdom when it comes to making a wedding a lifelong commitment. Here's her answer and a few photos from the celebration.



Kay and Dennis










My sister, Tammy














My niece Serena, me and my daughter, Kara.










Me and my lil sis.

Live Chat with Agent Joshua Bilmes of JABberwocky Literary Agency

This info from AgentQuery.com

"Literary agent, Joshua Bilmes of JABberwocky Literary Agency
will be stopping by on Tuesday, October 7 at 10PM Eastern to chat it up with the Agent Query Connect community."

He specializes in representing genre fiction (sci-fi, fantasy, horror, romance, mystery) and for nonfiction: History | Politics | Medical | Science.

"To participate in the live online chat, simply login and click on the VIEW CHAT ROOMS on the left-hand navigator or click here: http://agentquery.leveragesoftware.com/chat_list.aspx

Then JOIN the chat room for literary agent, Joshua Bilmes. You will be allowed to join the chat room 15 minutes early, and the live chat will begin promply at 10PM EST.

To learn more about Joshua Bilmes and the types of projects that he's actively seeking, be sure to check out his AQ agent profile:
http://agentquery.com/agent.aspx?agentid=356

Or read his AQC questionnaire:
http://agentquery.leveragesoftware.com/group_discussion.aspx?DiscussionID=73fdd8f7320e462cb16da58f91b2f018

A few notes about our live agent chats:

Agent chats offer AQC members exclusive live access to our literary agent guest. Chats are intended as Q&A sessions to help our members learn about the submission process, the business of publishing, and what agents are truly seeking from new clients.

Please note that our agent chats are NOT an opportunity to "pitch" yourself or your work to an agent during the chat. Also, our agent chats are crazy popular events with 40+ participants or more. For this reason, all chat participants must follow the lead of our fearless AQ chat moderator, Jean Oram.

As the official AQC chat moderator, Jean Oram will be forming a question "?" queue and serving as gatekeeper to Joshua Bilmes. She is in-charge of keeping the live chats friendly, informative, and a maximum of one hour. So pay attention, be professional, and be prepared to wait your turn in the question "?" queue.

One more tip: It's Joshua, not "Josh".

"O Captain! My Captain!" is also acceptable."

Surf the Net - With these Web Tips

For all you computer clunkers who want to be wizards on the web, check out this techy tip blog. These are some helpful hints, if you don't already know them.

Seize the Day by Carolyn Arends

One of my favorite songs from long ago. And my favorite line: "Everyone's got a dream he can follow or squander."

Call for Submission - Stories for Children

I received this Call for Submissions from Stories for Children and thought I'd pass it along to all my writing cyber-buddies:

Stories for Children is currently in need of Nonfiction for all age groups for December and January issues.

Please check out the Holiday and Event Calendar for ideas. But keep in mind that submissions not related to the Calendar are also welcome. It gives us the opportunity to place them in other issues should December and January fill up quickly!

Check the website for submission guidelines as they are updated on a regular basis.

Everyone here at Stories for Children appreciates your continued support of our magazine.

Warmly,

Wendy Dickson

Nonfiction Editor - Stories for Children Magazine

Submissions Editor for: Nonfiction, Recipes, Puzzles, Games and Crafts

Website: www.storiesforchildrenmagazine.org

Good Books with Helpful Info for Writers

Good books with helpful information for writers:

1) Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King;

2) Stein on Writing by Sol Stein; and, (if you check out their Appendix 2 (p. 264), you may see others you like as well.)

3) A Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children by Nancy Lamb.

I have been reading On Writing by Stephen King but please note that Stephen King's book on writing as well as Annie Lamott's are listed under Books on Inspiration.