Always Remember, Never Forget

Today, we remember and honor those who have served and lost their lives in the process. Thank you! To you, and to your families, we are forever in your debt.

God Bless You, and God Bless America!

Am I, or Am I Not, a Creative Being?

I've never considered myself a creative being, quite the opposite in fact. I can't draw to save my life. Not even a decent stick person. I can't sing. I can't paint. I can't decorate or choose furnishings very well. But, I do love to write. Writing is my main creative outlet; however, even in that, I never felt particularly creative. I hear lines in my head and love the language, but I often struggle to build a story around the line/lines I hear and craft. Snippets of lines and starts of stories clutter my folders and desk until such time as something starts to stick and builds into a full and complete story.

I long ago gave up analyzing how creative, or not creative, I am and just work to do my best work each day. Yesterday, I picked up BIG MAGIC by Elizabeth Gilbert and reviewed areas I had highlighted in times past. One such area that really hit home was as follows:

"A creative life is an amplified life. It's a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life. Living in this manner--continually and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you--is a fine art, in and of itself...Because creative living is where Big Magic will always abide."

Wow! I love the idea of living an amplified life, a happy life. And an interesting life. Who doesn't? I had just never considered how "creativity" factored into this life of mine. I do know that writing brings me much happiness and certainly broadens my horizons and, therefore, expands my life. So, in essence, then, I am living a creative life even if I'm not the most creative person, so to speak. I will keep working and trying to create good stories and striving to not let fear dictate my thoughts or prevent my progress. 

For, in Gilbert's words, "when courage dies, creativity dies with it."

Let's keep creating, shall we?

WATCH

Hello,

For any readers out there, please contact me should you notice anything odd on here. Apparently, someone accessed my account and posted something titled "Launch Day" which was then unpublished by Blogger as it violated their guidelines. I did not write or post this and am unsure how someone accessed my account to do so but will be monitoring closely. Should you see something that does not appear consistent with my posts, please reach out.

Thanks so much!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

Today, March 2, kicks off Read Across America week (along with National Reading Month throughout the month of March), beginning on the birthday of Dr. Seuss.

During this week, let us focus on encouraging and promoting the benefits and importance of reading, especially for our children who have at their disposal these days so much technology that, at times, negatively impacts reading a good ol' fashion book.

Today, and throughout the week, I commit to spending time reading. Will you?

What are your favorite go-to books, Dr. Seuss or otherwise? I'd love to hear and compare the favorites amongst all of us.

New Contract Signed!

 

I am so excited to announce I've recently signed a contract on a new picture book. Thank you, Vivian Zabel of 4RV Publishing, for believing in me and COUNTING THE WAY TO ABUELA'S. I am excited to see my story come to life in Aidana's art and illustrations.

World Read Aloud Day

 

Today, February 1st, is World Read Aloud Day. What a wonderful day to celebrate reading!

This day is dedicated to reading aloud which helps foster the tradition of reading as well as promote literacy which is so very important. 

There are many places online to join the fun and hear stories read aloud; however, you can also cozy up at home and enjoy reading books of your choice. I will definitely be doing so!

What books will you pick to read today? I would love to hear how you are spending your World Read Aloud Day.

Here We Go...

 

'Tis the season to kick off StoryStorm 2023. 30 ideas in 31 days. It is such an awesome way to kick off the new year and renew one's motivation and writer's focus. Thank you, Tara Lazar, for this month of inspiration.

To learn more, visit Tara's blog at https://taralazar.com/.