Coming Up...

Have a couple of things I'm working on for the blog. The first one is an interview column  I'm calling  Chatting with Char.  I came up with the idea when I interviewed a writer I met in Fan Fiction.  She has been writing since she was a child.  Can you imagine?  She posted her first story on Fan Fiction at the ripe old age of fifteen!   That's amazing to me, and I'm sure you will find  her very interesting. She's also going to share some great tips for writers. Definitely watch for it. 

I'm also working on a couple of  other blog features.   I'm going to add a section that discusses writing tips and tricks.  I'll be getting these from different resources including writers from Fan Fiction.   So if you know of any aspiring writers give them a heads up.

Last on my "to do"  list is sharing some of my graphic work. I have my own graphics creation group and have been creating for more than  five years. I'm thinking  about sharing some of these creations and some tips and tricks.   I've also  started sharing some of my photography and I'm going to extend that page. I'm just waiting for hubby  to get the right clicking feature disabled.  I don't want my photography used without permission. I'm hoping to have the first feature Chatting with Char up and running by this next weekend and the first interview will be with Jade.

Be sure to check back and keep watching for all the new additions.  

New Chapter

 I finished a new chapter for both the stories I'm writing.  Letters from the Heart is really different, it's letter writing between Eric and Sookie after he recovers his first memories. There is a twist, I have a guest writer, responding as Eric.  I finished a chapter where they are arranging to meet.  It's the first time they've been face to face since the ending of the witch war.    It was really difficult to get into a rhythm for this story for some reason. I think it's because of the letter format. I'm not sure, but I will say I'm BLOWN away by the responses to the story. Please be sure to check it out.

The other story Wind in Her Sails is coming right along.  This is my first FF story and I'm loving writing it.  It has romance, intrigue, jealousy and danger.  What more could anyone want?    My Beta will be working on it this week, and I'm hoping it will be up by this weekend at the latest.   If you take the time to read them,  please let me know your thoughts.    

Remembering Those We Lost

I didn't really have time to post anything on Saturday,  but I didn't want 9/11  to go by without paying tribute to all those who suffered losses that day.  I also wanted to remember the military members we have lost because of this tragedy.   It put things into motion that have changed our lives, some of us more than others.

I'm sure many of us can remember exactly where we were when all this unfolded.  I couldn't believe what I was watching and  I actually asked my husband if it were real or a simulation of a possible attack. Those images will be forever etched in my memory.  The next months were painful for Americans and I think we all felt like we were walking on shaky ground.   Gone was our arrogance and it was replaced with trepidation and insecurity. This continued for  a long while and honestly I'm sure many of us still have a sense of unease at times,  especially when we are reminded of this terrible day.

However, I think some good things did come out of that tragedy.   We became closer as Americans and it seemed like we all took a little more time for others.   We went back to our roots as a Christian Nation.   We sought out God and the churches were full that next Sunday.   Suddenly we didn't take things for granted anymore.   We didn't know what was going to happen next, and it made us stop and think about what was important in our lives.  I think those were all good things we found in the midst of the chaos.   I do have to wonder why it seems to take a tragedy to help us realize what is valuable to us.   If we haven't learned anything else I hope we've  learned to not take our lives and our loved ones for granted.   

Let's play some FOOTBALL!

Tonight at work I watched the Saints and Vikings play; this was the opening game for the NFL season.   I'm not a big sports fan, but I found out Wednesday it was being aired tonight and  my "boys"  seemed to really be disappointed that is was on our regular "group" nights.   Well I moved somethings around and we had a little "football" party. 

You know it's funny because I can count on one hand how many games I watched in the last 2 years, but it was really fun, and I got as excited as they did when the Saints scored or made a good  play.   I guess it had a lot to do with how I approached it.   Even though it's not my thing, I planned on having a good time and I did.  You know maybe there's a lesson to be learned; could it all be about our attitude.   I think that's probably something I need to remember when I face something I really am not looking forward to.  If I think of it as something I WANT to do, and not something I HAVE to do it will make all the difference.   I gotta remember that!

Who would have thought I would have been reminded of  an important life lesson simply from watching a football game.   Hmm wonder if it offers other life lessons,  maybe it's worth checking out.  Tell you what, the next game I'll bring the nachos and you can bring dessert.      

Age of Eric Contest Winners

The Age of Eric winners have been announced.   Congratulations to all of you! Make sure you check out all the work on the main community page.  You can read my entry here. 

First Place: Public Vote
Let Women Vote by Thyra10
Second Place: Public Vote
Take Me by Suki59
First Place: Judge's Round
Restoration by FarDareisMai2
Second Place: Judge's Round
Soiled Dove of Deadwood by Sarifina85

Contests Galore!

This fall seems to be setting up as a fall for some great writing contests. Of course this is a win win situation for both the writers and the readers. If gives those of us who write a great creative push to write a story within a few boundaries. Believe it or not that can be more difficult than just free writing. I'm hoping to find the time to participate in at least one, and I know my Beta Jade is going to write a few too. Whether you are a writer or an avid reader these contests will offer something for everyone. Be sure and check them all out!

A New Chapter 

   

This is a contest for all NEW writers.   This is an all human contest that blesses your favorite SVM pairings with a new bundle of joy;  yep a baby.   This is not limited to Eric and Sookie, all SVM pairings are acceptable and encouraged.
- Submissions Accepted: Sun. 9/12 - Fri. 11/12

Eric's First Blood 

 Whether it's Eric's first meal after being turned or his first attack as a young Viking warrior this contest wants your stories! The limit is only your imagination.   Submissions September 6th, thru September 27th at 12:00 A.M. Mountain Time.  

I Write The Songs



 Barry Manilow said it best!  Choose a song and use it as your title.  Eric and Sookie must be your main pairing but it can be Canon SVM, AU, OOC or AH. Submissions from September 24-- October 30th. 


                                          

Happy Sunday

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday.   I'm working on my blog design and am going to be do some writing later.   This blog "stuff"  is really challenging at times.    I love designing and graphic work,  but it can get challenging to get the theme and "feel"  you want.    Also it's hard to know what I want to include.   I have so many different interests and things I'm  into.   Then there is the whole "getting readers"   WOW that's intimidating.   I'm just going to continue to do my best and have fun along the way.