Monday Motivator

This week's motivational moment is courtesy of Dr. Seuss! Nope, you're never to old for clever, wise words. Or the man who combined wisdom and humor so well.




"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose."

"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you."

These are two inarguable and amazing truths about life! Your thoughts and your actions can lead you any direction you like. The path may get rocky, but if you stay focused and determined you WILL reach your goal.

Dr. Seuss knew the benefits of learning and showcasing the unique talents inherent in all of us. You are the only person with your gifts - whether it's painting, writing, speaking, woodworking, computers, music, or mechanics. Don't squander or discount those talents and gifts. Embrace what makes you special and use it to the best advantage for you and the community you live in.

Set a great goal today, a goal that celebrates what you have to offer, and go for it!

Regan

Write Stuff Wednesday

November has arrived and I feel it's best to dedicate the first Write Stuff this month to the November writers phenomenon: NaNoWriMo...say it in that super slow-motion voice for an even better experience.

From the NaNoWriMo site itself comes this statement of truth: "Valuing enthusiasm and perseverance over painstaking craft, NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved."

NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writers Month and it's been held every November since the dawn of time. Okay, fine. The first NaNo was a little more subdued and held by 21 writers in July of 1999 in the San Francisco Bay area. They had a great time, learned a lot, and shared the experience with the world in the acclaimed No Plot? No Problem!



If I read the info at the site correctly, this is year eleven, but I'm hoping this effort goes on until the end of time! I've never participated before and I probably shouldn't indulge this year. (I do have some other projects on my plate). But I'm a pantser (meaning I often write without a detailed plot line) and I love the concept, the energy, and the surprises inherent to the NaNoWriMo effort. So this year, I am (off the record) indulging myself with a few hours of each day devoted to the NaNo word count. So far, I'm a bit behind my goal, but I didn't start right on time either (us pantsers tend to procrastinate too).

The point is to be the Write Stuff this month! Take the plunge and see where your imagination leads. It's not too late to get involved! Visit the site now, buy the book for help down the road and above all - Write Stuff!

Regan

Write Stuff Friday

Yup, it's been a write stuff sort of week. Because I'm surrounded by the incredible support of author friends who've made my mini blog tour so much fun!!!

Today - all week actually - Alyssa Montgomery has been focused on the Pixie Chicks, the main characters in my Hobbitville saga of short stories. She's been asking great interview questions, posting critical reviews and excerpts, and helping me get the word out about this series.

Bottom line: Alyssa has been awesome.

Still a teen, she's a multi-published author in her own right, with Mr. Mysterious, Mysterious No More, Where Are You, and her latest release Michael Springer. Plus one of her short stories was included in the Missing anthology. She's a avid reader and has been writing since her elementary school days, so she knows when she meets a great story. Her comments and insights are invaluable!

So check out Alyssa's titles with Echelon Press - you won't be disappointed!

Regan

Write Stuff Thursday

Today's another thank you day - This time kudos go to Nick Valentino for hosting me, well Lana, on his blog today. Since Lana's handling the tour (apparently) I'm free to handle the thank yous and such over here.

Nick is the author of Thomas Riley, a steam punk adventure featuring weapons designers, alchemy and what else? Sky Pirates! I love this book and it's obvious Nick loved writing it. You'll be drawn in, turning pages and happily ignoring work and losing sleep until you reach 'the end'. Isn't that the way a book is supposed to be? And Nick is so enthused, about this genre as well as seeing his book in print. The interview over at Tor will give you all kinds of insight into Nick the author, and potential world conqueror.

The pre-sales from Echelon started on October 23rd, which means you can get your copy of Nick's amazing story before it even hits bookstore shelves. Just visit www.SirThomasRiley.com You can even enlist as a sky pirate or get ideas for creating your own steam punk look!

Regan

Write Stuff Wednesday

What is Write Stuff Wednesday all about?

Usually it's about authors and writing. Today it's about thanking those authors who are willing to help out and have fun online.

Mary Cunningham (of Cynthia's Attic fame) is one of those authors who goes above and beyond. She's hosting the first stop on my first ever blog tour - no matter that it's to promote a short story and it's a mini tour...she just dove in and did everything to make it easier.

Mary writes great books starring two young friends who travel through time thanks to a magic trunk in Cynthia's attic. Her characters are vivid, the adventures challenging, and like Mary herself, the whole package is vibrant and fun.

She's one of those people that you're happy to know and her books are definitely must reads! So here's a Write Stuff salute with many, many thanks to Mary Cunningham!

Don't cheat yourself, go explore Cynthia's Attic now!

Regan