A perfect writing opportunity for wordsmiths! 

 http://www.chickensoup.com/form.asp?cid=possible_books

Don’t wait too long – the deadline date for story and poem submissions is June 30, 2012.

And speaking of Chicken Soup, for anyone in the local Albany-Sch’dy area, I will be at a book signing this Sunday at Barnes & Noble in Niskayuna, NY. I’ll be signing my story, “In Everything Give Thanks,” from the new release, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Tough Times. 

A wonderful book of encouragement. Each devotion begins with a scripture and closes with a prayer.

Have you published in an anthology? Did you realize you can set up book signings and use this as a marketing opportunity? It is wonderful practice for when your own book is published. I participated in one last year and enjoyed meeting new people and handing out my business cards. Plus I love spending time in bookstores…and this provides a perfect excuse to hang out there : )

Please leave a comment if you have any good writing opportunities that may help others.  Stop by next week, there may be another give away. Plus I’m seriously thinking of posting a book review since I’ve read two awesome books lately.

So…any writing ops, anyone?

 The word for today is HERO.

Two major problems this week: figuring out how to add feedburner to   my blog so y’all can sign up and get my new posts, and a fairly new washing machine that broke down and needed a new part.

My HERO husband found the solution to both problems. He researched online for info on machine breakdowns, took the machine apart and installed new switchty thingie, saving us from a painful mechanic bill. Now it is humming along in the background, also saving me trips to the dreaded laundromat. 

And HERO husband studied feedburner directions and installed it on my blog so my site designer doesn’t need to be bothered with it. Please do subscribe so I can tell HERO husband his work is not in vain!  

What does this have to do with writing?

Good question.

Every romance has a hero in it.

Who is your favorite hero?

In your writing, what qualities does your hero possess?

Welcome to my friend, Melody Nobles Gibson, who will be my guest post this week. Melody walked through a difficult time recently but is wiser from the trials she faced.Grieving from  the loss of her mother and also facing the possibility of a drastic change in her life and her future, she was overwhelmed with burdens. Yet our faithful God brought her through. I hope her words speak to you and encourage you.

“I am happy to be happy! Considering that I did not think I could come out of the darkness of grief and unbelievable sadness, I feel eternally grateful that I have. It has been in baby steps. God used friends, preaching and glimpses of Himself all along the way and I held on to His hand tightly. The journey was incredibly beautiful and equally sad. However, I learned many things that will hopefully stay with me forever. One of them was the steadfastness of God’s love. It is indescribable. It is not overwhelming. It is complete.  A Presence. A Peace. A Purpose.

    God has given me a clear message so my mind will stay focused on today. I asked Him honestly about a “direction” since it seems that I have lost a whole year.  My mind wants to drift back into the past and relive some things which are detrimental and even deadly to the present.

    “STAY!” was His immediate reply.

    “Stay? Huh? What does that mean, Lord?” I asked.

    “Command your mind to stay in the present whenever it wants to go back.” He replied.

    “Command my mind like I would a dog? That sounds weird, but it does make sense,” I agreed.

    “Yes. Stop Thinking About Yesterday!” He added.

    STAY:Stop thinking about yesterday.

I understand now. I really understand.  “WOW! That is awesome, Lord. That sounds like it will work. When do I start?”

    “Right now!”  🙂