Hey there,

Long time no speakie...

Been busy coordinating the return of the Pennwriters Annual Writing Contest.

At the last conference I stepped up and took on organizing and restarting the Conference's Annual Writing Contest.  There was quite an interest as I watched entries arrive by the dozens back in January, February and March.  There are four types of entries: Novel Beginnings, Short Story, Articles and Poetry.  The board of directors and I are pleased at the response from the general membership. 

The 2012 Conference approaches (Weekend of May 17 thru 20th in Lancaster) and the excitement is building for me.  I am tallying the votes from the judges and see the rise of scores moving the top contenders around on my spreadsheet as I enter the final numbers.

I know others are excited to find out who wins since I am receiving emails asking questions about when the critiqued entries will be returned or when (during the Conference) I will reveal the winners.  The top scorers in each category will have a choice of prizes: either a full scholarship voucher to the Pennwriters annual conference or $50 cash. Second place finisher in each category will have a choice of a half scholarship voucher to the annual conference or $30 cash. The third place award is a certificate.

This is the best secret I've kept from anyone... hands down!

Just found out I am announcing the winners at the Breakfast on Saturday Morning.  What a nice way to spend the day having others be able to congratulate you all day long.  Good luck to those of you who are waiting to find out if you won.

This is so much fun that I already volunteered to do it again next year.

The Contest Queen

Hey there,

Haven't logged in and written anything in such a long time.  Let me catch you up.

Over the Christmas Holidays 2011, I had rotator cuff surgery.

Been taking care of mumsie and trying to spend time with hubby around the edges which proves to be challenging.

Last week I headed out to my doctors in order to fend off an oncoming illness that my mother, husband, son and cousin had- all people who spend a great deal of time with me.  I told myself and anyone who would listen that it was odd that they all are sick and I'm the only one healthy.  Wow, talk about open mouth, insert foot.  Within two days I was erupting in mucous melodies for all to hear.  Even with the Z-Pak my doctor gave me last Wednesday, I have been down for the count, unable to think straight or keep up with the house or everyday things.

Inside Edition reports that after two short months the Honeymoon is over for Kim Kasdashian and Kris Humphries.  US Magazine and Perez Hilton all clang the bell for the demise of the two lovebirds married after a few short months of courtship.

Why do we care?

There's a book I read a long time ago that had an impact on me.  It is "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamont.  I can't explain why I like it or why I feel you should read it, but it is a book you should place on your to be read pile.

There are many times a fellow writer reads of another's success and wish, "Why can't that be me."  I'm sure there are times when you sat back from the computer after editing your work in process yet another time and wondered "What did she/he do that made an editor/agent/publisher take notice?"

The answer is simple.

This past weekend I attended the Pittsburgh Sisters in Crime Retreat 2011.  We stayed at That Dam Yough House http://www.thatdamyoughhouse.com in Confluence PA.

About a week and a half ago I stopped working for a steady paycheck.  It was a long time coming and something I've tried to do many times in the past.  You see, I've held more jobs than I can count.  Most of the time I didn't last longer than a newly placed trash can liner.  Not through anything horrible I did, well, other than accept the job in the first place.

Heard from an agent that my writing reminds her of Marcus Sakey.  So of course, I had to find out who this Marcus Sakey person is and how can I get my hands on a book of his.  That was the hard part.  I drove to Borders... nothing there.  Then I drove out of my way to B&N... no books there either.  Finally I decided to order them.

Since the Pennwriters Conference in May I have been polishing my first draft getting it ready to submit to an agent who is interested.  How cool is that?

So I won't be spending a lot of time on the Internet, Facebook, Twitter, etc...