Writing on Summer Days

 We're in the middle of summer--hot days, long evenings on the porch or outdoors, hot weather foods and more. Is it harder for you to write in the summertime than any other part of the year? Or does the heat keep you indoors so you are close to your writing area? 

Even if you hibernate in the cool house or apartment, do you use the time to good advantage? Do you carve out certain parts of the day as your time to write? It takes a bit of discipline, and if you have children in the house, your summer days are filled with more activity than usual. It's hard to set time aside to write. The lure of summer activities looms large.

I've always found that the longer you don't write, the easier it is to continue in that same vein. You tell yourself you'll do it for sure tomorrow. Then the next day dawns, and you get busy with this and that, and your good intention disappears like the morning mist on a river. 

One solution might be to set a shorter time for writing on these busy summer days. Instead of an hour, take 15 or 20 minutes. Oh sure, you say, what can I get done in that amount of time? You might get enough completed to give you the inspiration to get back to it as soon as possible. 

If you have a houseful of kids in the summer, you're giving your all to them, but what's wrong with telling the kids that a certain period of the day is Time for Mom? It could be a good lesson in sharing and being aware of other people besides themselves. 

Try this prompt for a freewrite exercise. Give yourself that precious fifteen minutes. If you have a prompt, you can write once, twice, or more using the same prompt. Different days might bring different thoughts. 

Today's prompt:  My mother told me...

12 Tips For A Successful Memoir

 

Carolyn Hamilton is a Success Coach for Memoir Writers. Three years ago, she wrote a blog post for me. Memoir is still a popular genre today, so I thought her post would be of some help to those who write memoir, and perhaps to those who read it, as well. 

August 14, 2019

It’s probably as hard to give advice on how to write a successful memoir as it is to write the darn thing!

But I never let that stop me...   :)

When I think about it, here are my TOP 12 TIPS for writing a successful memoir:

1. Read memoirs similar in time or theme to yours.

In a writing group I met a woman who was writing a romance novel, and when I asked her who her favorite romance author was, she said, “Oh, I don’t read romance, I read science-fiction. Doomed to failure, in my opinion. It’s imperative that you know something about the genre in which you’re writing. Read memoirs written by “regular” people, not by celebrities. Then ask yourself, what was compelling about their story? What was their theme, or the message they wanted to share?

2. Read books on writing, and specifically writing memoir.

“But I’ve never written anything before,” you say. Writing well is a skill you can learn. There are a myriad of books to choose from that can introduce you to principles of grammar, style, story-telling and editing.

3. Join a critique or brainstorming group, preferably one that specializes in memoir or personal essay.

You don’t have to share your writing at first, if you aren’t comfortable. Maybe you haven’t even written anything yet. You can learn a lot from listening to others read their writing and listening to the feedback that is offered. As you read about writing and begin to write your own memoir, you will have gained in knowledge along the way. This is a learning-by-doing journey!

4. To begin, think of how you would tell your story to a friend over lunch. The Who, What, When, Where.

Don’t get bogged down in the beginning with the intimidating things about writing that you think you don’t know. This is simply story-telling. When you approach it that way, organizing your thoughts becomes easier. You could even tape-record yourself telling your story to a friend, and make notes of the questions he/she asked along the way.

5. Keep it simple: short words, short sentences, short paragraphs.

Like it or not, we live in Netflix binge-watching world, and have since the advent of the newspaper, USA Today. They rose to fame on the premise that people want information in a simple, straightforward format. Short words, short sentences and short paragraphs add impact to the story-telling, and move the story forward at a can’t-put-the-book down pace.

6. Avoid passive voice and use active voice (verbs) as much as you can.

Any verb that ends in “ing” indicates that you are speaking in a passive voice. “She ran across the street” is much more powerful than “she was running across the street.” Likewise, “I was thinking about what he said to me and decided…” does not have the impact of “I thought about what he said to me and decided…” Can you hear the difference?

7. Don’t tell what others are thinking or feeling unless they told you.

You are telling your story from your first-person point-of-view. If you weren’t in the room, you don’t know exactly what happened. And we never know what others are thinking or feeling—unless they tell us. We can only accurately write, “It seemed to me that he felt…” Or “I had the impression she thought…” or “She told me she felt…”

8. Keep your “ly” words to a minimum.

Words that end in “ly” like suddenly, softly, boldly, aggressively, shyly, meaningfully, etc. don’t help the story and overuse can indicate lazy writing. Ask yourself how you can write something physical, or active, that can convey these impressions.

9. Don’t edit as you write your first draft. Get the whole thing done first. Just throw up on paper!

I know this is so hard for so many people. But putting words to paper the first time is not a marital commitment. They can be changed—later. The important thing is to write everything down as fast and detailed as you can remember. I promise you will feel a strong sense of achievement when you have completed your first “rough” draft.

10. Think of how you can tell your story in scenes so that you show, rather than tell, as much as possible.

Your reader wants to be able to visualize what you experienced, what happened to you. Little details and descriptive scenes with dialogue can make that happen. The happy result is that your reader “bonds” with you along the way and follows you, committed to the very end of your book.

11. Show us positive things as well as negative things. No person or experience was ALL bad.

A woman I know was a famous entertainer’s mistress for 15 years. She had New York “publishing connections” and still couldn’t sell her story. Agents told her she was “just too angry” and if it was all that bad, why did she stay with him for 15 years?

12. DON'T WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHERS WILL THINK!

In today’s world, you can’t leave the house and accomplish anything meaningful without someone lurking in the bushes waiting to criticize you. It happens. You can get past it.

BIO:

Carolyn V. Hamilton is an author and entrepreneur with an extensive background (30+ years in the world of “Mad Men”) in advertising, marketing, graphic design and direct response copywriting. She has published both fiction and non-fiction, coaches aspiring memoir writers, and is currently working on her second memoir. She also moderates the private Facebook group, Aspiring Memoir Writers.

Links: Carolynvhamilton.com

SwiftHousePress.com

Family Stories Can Be Published

 

Many family stories are also appropriate to submit to Chicken Soup for the Soul. Several stories of mine in Chicken Soup books are family stories. There's one about my mother's fudge making abilities, another about a very special afternoon tea I had with my grandmother, one that tells of my visit as a nine-year-old to my dying grandfather and many others. 

Those stories you hear from other family members are often ones that can be published, but that can only happen if you write them and submit to a publication. There are all kinds of anthologies where a family story might fit. One on holidays took my story about the year of the turkey disaster. Another published my personal essay about how I came to love books--also a family story. 

Magazines like Reminisce and Good Old Days seek stories that fit the family story category. They don't take everything sent to them, so study their guidelines and adapt your story to fit. It will have a better chance. 

Some family stories will fit in the personal essay category, but remember that this type of essay must show a universal truth or something you learned from the experience. 

Look through your family stories to see if you have one that might be submitted somewhere. Check the Chicken Soup list of possible book topics at www.chickensoup.com  Go to the bottom and click on Submit your story to find that page. Check other market lists and always read the guidelines to see if you have a fit. 

The family stories you write will be more detailed than the ones you tell around the dining room table. If you are planning to submit one of them, it will probably need some revision and editing to create a story that is worthy of publication.

One of my family stories that was published in a medical employee journal and in a Parish Nurses publication is below. The story is one I've related to my husband and children, then wrote. 

Add A Dose Of Love 

 In 1943, when I was only four, a nurse made a deep impression on me during a three day hospitalization for a tonsillectomy. 

I can see her clearly, even these multiple decades later. Her youth, the cloud of blonde hair, lively blue eyes and broad smile made her look like an angel in her crisp white uniform and jaunty nurse’s cap. She soothed me when I didn’t want my daddy to go home the night before my surgery. Hospital rules were more stringent in those days. 

 I cried until she said, “I’ll take you to see the babies in the nursery.”  Her voice was soft and melodic. I went willingly into her outstretched arms and waved good-bye to my father as I snuggled close to her.  She carried me to the nursery and we visited each newborn infant.

My tonsils were removed the next day and that evening I hemorrhaged.  For a four-year-old, it was frightening.  When the bleeding had been stopped, my blonde, blue-eyed nurse sat by the bed, slipped her hand in mine and talked softly to me until I fell asleep.  That young woman gave me needed care, which was her job, but she added a dose of love that settled over me like a soft comforter which warms me to this day.

She chose a profession where service to others topped the list of her duties, but she did it with such devotion that she has become a forever memory for me.  I can thank her, too, for setting me on a path of service to others which has continued throughout my life. 

First, I wanted to be a nurse just like her. That desire lasted until I learned that chemistry was part of the training. Since science was the one school subject that gave me trouble, my dream went up in smoke. 

In time, I came to the realization that I could still follow a path of service to others by becoming a teacher, which is exactly what I did. I kept that kind, loving nurse, whose name I never knew, in my memory bank. I sometimes thought of her as I taught and loved a class filled with emotionally disturbed children. No lecture needed; her actions had come through even to me, a small child, and remained into my working years. When my teaching career ended, I moved into hospital volunteer work, which still allowed me to serve others. I always tried to add a dose of love as I moved from one patient to another or waited on customers in the hospital gift shop. 

That nurse taught me if you intertwine service and love, you’ve got a winning combination as well as a surefire way to witness your faith in Him who bade us to do so.

(C) 

      

Slash and Cut for Writers

 

I've written posts about cutting words a number of times. We're often writing to a maximum amount, and it's important to adhere to the what the guidelines tell us. 

There is another kind of cutting to consider when you are editing and revising a first draft. You should look for repetition of ideas. There are times when we are trying to make a point, and we do so in a paragraph, then repeat the same idea in the next paragraph but using different words. It's easy to do that when you want to make sure your reader 'gets it' or if you're not sure where to go next so end up repeating much of what you just said. Sound crazy? It's not. Make your point once and move on.

Ask yourself if this paragraph is relevant to the story. Does it make the story move along, or is it extra fluff that is not needed? A moderator of an online writing group many years ago was famous for slashing whole parts of a story when she critiqued. "This does not move the story along" or "This does nothing to your story except add words." Needless to say, she left an impression on me. 

If you put in some backstory that has nothing to do with making the character the person he/she is today and has no meaning to what is happening in the present story, forget it. If it is something that helped make the character who he/she is, then it's fine. If you do use some backstory, make sure it does not contain useless information. Tell me that Jordy went to Marion High School and how many students it had and what it looked like, and you're veering off the track. Instead, tell what happened to Jordy in high school that helped make him who he is now.

Another place to cut is overly long descriptions. The classic example is of a character wanting to have a ham sandwich for lunch, so he/she stands up, walks to the fridge, takes out ham, lettuce, and mayo, closes the fridge, walks to the counter, gets a slice of bread, and ..... No one cares about anything other than he/she was going to make a ham sandwich. All those steps in the description do nothing but drag your story down. You can cut it all down to one short sentence. Less us more fits this situation quite well. 

We urge writers to give a sense of place in their stories. Writing four paragraphs to describe the place where the two main characters go for a picnic is overkill. Readers get so bogged down in the lengthy description of the picnic spot that they lose track of why the characters are there or what happens next. Keep your sense of place writing to a very few sentences. You can sprinkle them in here and there, not necessarily in one entire paragraph, although that can be done, as well. But keep it to a minimum. 

When describing a character, you needn't do it all in one long paragraph. A little here, a little there gives the reader an overall picture. 

The above can be summed up to not overdo any part of your story. Pare it to the bone, and you will end up with a stronger piece of writing. 

Rules For Writers--Yes or No?

 

Today's photo poster has five words of good advice for writers. Nothing is Written In Stone is simple but strong. 

Along with many other writers, I offer tips on writing. I urge writers to read reference books about our craft. I prod with writing exercises. I highlight the mechanics of writing and urge writers to learn the correct way of using punctuation, grammar rules, and proper spelling. And more!

All that you read in books about writing, on blogs like this one, and online articles are worthwhile, but they are not written in stone. Things change over the years. One example is the number of spaces between sentences. Years ago, the norm was two spaces. When using a typewriter, we learned to tap the space bar twice. It became automatic. Then, computers came along and editors made a change. One space between sentences. It was a hard habit to break, but it can be done. Some stubborn people refused to switch to the new way, and their submissions were in danger of being tossed. The rule changed, and we had to change with it. 

Another reason we can say that Nothing is Written In Stone is that there are writers who want to write outside the box. It allows them to be unique which may appeal to some editors. Others will reject these kinds of submissions in a flash. 

Some of us follow rules while others rebel and want to write in their own way. There is no law saying you can't do so, but getting published could be a little more difficult for these writers. My thought here is that it's hard enough to get published without adding one more reason for an editor to reject your work. Still, take your chances and write the way that works best for you. 

The one place where Nothing is Written In Stone might not work is when you read but do not follow the publication's guidelines, or those of a contest. Those guidelines just might be written in stone. The editorial crew gave them to us for a reason. Refusing to follow the guidelines is the fastest way to being rejected that I know. 

Personally, I am happy to have some rules to follow, ones that will make my writing more clear and strong. It's why I read books/articles about writing and use them for a guide. This is one more choice writers have. Your decision!

Summertime Writing With Zoom

 For those in the northern hemisphere, it is summer, and one hotter than usual. We don't want to overdo in the heat, even though most of us live with A/C. It's a time we try to kick back and have a little more down time than usual. 

I used some of my down time to attend a zoom meeting writers' workshop in California last evening. I am a big proponent of zoom meetings. To be able to pop in to the California meeting from my Kansas home is a real treat. The workshop was moderated by Marlene Cullen of The Writer's Forum. She gave us prompts and then we had time to freewrite whatever came to mind. All were worthwhile, but the one I liked best and seemed to promote some fine writing from the paticipants was:  I came from...  Several people read what they'd written, then others made comments. 

Those three little words--I came from...--brought writing with many different angles. Some were very short while others went much longer. Some spoke of the earth and nature, and others talked of the people the writer had come from. They were interesting, sometimes sad, fascinating and more. Every writer used a different approach. I finished the meeting with thoughts tumbling through my mind, ranging from what others had written to the comments made when I read my piece to feeling inspired to write more another day. 

I am also able to attend Kansas Authors district meetings via zoom. Kansas is 400+ miles from the eastern border to the western one. That's a lot of driving if I tried to attend the six district meetings, but through technology, I can do so easily. We even had our state convention via zoom for the past two years. This year, we'll have a choice. Go in person, or stay home and attend via zoom. 

The three part workshop I attended is over, but there will be others. Consider attending writing related zoom meetings on these summer days. Find them through a search engine or through your local/state writing organization. Many newsletters for writers will advertise a zoom meeting you can attend. There are actual classes you can take via zoom, as well. It takes a bit of effort on your part to find them, but you'll reap the benefits if you do.

Meanwhile, if you're staying in to avoid the excessive heat, give the prompt I mentioned a try. Start with I came from... and keep writing until you can write no more. You could end up with a first draft for a submittable piece of writing. 

Commas, Clauses, and Phrases

A Puzzlement

Punctuation can be a bit puzzling. The little guy perched atop a golden question mark in today's photo is thinking about where to put commas when he uses an introductory clause or phrase. Is it big in the world of writing? Probably not. If you don't do it correctly, will an editor notice? Most likely.

Punctuation is not a frill. It's a necessary part of writing. You've all heard the old example of tossing a bunch of commas in the air, and where they land is where they stay. Cute, but not correct. 

I critique a lot of submissions at my online writing group. Our critiquers look for an overall thought on the piece but also the mechanics. Things like tense usage, passive vs active, show vs tell, and punctuation. Even something as small as an extra space between sentences. 

One of the most common errors I see is the misuse of the comma when a sentence begins with an introductory phrase or clause. For clarity sake, a phrase is a group of words while a clause is a group of words with both subject and verb. 

A.  If I see the bus coming, I'll ride to the ball game.  (In this sentence, the second part of the sentence could stand alone. Use a comma after the introductory clause)

B.  When sad, people frown.  (Without the comma, the sentence doesn't make sense. When sad people frown.)

C.  Pending the outcome of the board meeting, I will vote the way my conscience directs me. (The second half of the sentence can stand alone)

Another reason to use the commas after an introductory phrase or clause is that it gives the reader a chance to pause, especially if reading aloud. Look at Sentence C. Read it aloud. That comma is placed where a natural pause for breath is needed. 

When you use the comma correctly in a sentence with an introductory phrase or clause, it becomes a habit. You won't have to think about it. You'll automatically hit the comma key, or put it there with your pencil if writing by hand. 

 

Kids in the Neighborhood

 

Our poster today is right on. In a flash, I could list all the kids in my neighborhood and see them in my mind's eye. I believe most of us could do the same.

I grew up in a suburb of Chicago in a large, three story apartment building. It had around 63 apartments overall, divided into sections of 7 in a stairwell. The largest section fronted Garfield Street while the side sections were on Clarence and Wesley Avenues. Not every apartment had children, but the majority did. Kids of all ages, from infants to high school teens. 

The back of our building was divided into two large courtyards with stairways and back entrances to half the front side of the building and one of the side parts. In our courtyard, there were plenty of kids to play with, so we had no need to venture further down the alley to the other courtyard where more kids played. We also played with a few who lived across the alley in real houses. We apartment dwellers thought they were so lucky, and the kids from the houses envied our big group of playmates. 

There were both one and two bedroom apartments. The larger ones usually housed families with one or more children. I adored the older girls, one family in particular. The Walters had three daughters. The middle girl, Sally, was 3 years older than I, and the youngest one, Susie younger than I.. Susie was closer to may age, but Sally was the one I liked best. The three had blonde hair and blue eyes. They were all sweet in personality and fun to be with. Sally eloped when only 17. She left a note written in lipstick on the bathroom mirror. The next year, she was pregnant and suddenly came to visit my mother more than me. As time went on, we stayed in touch, first through visits, then letters when I moved away and finally the once-a-year Christmas card and note. I lost her two years ago, but when I think of her, I see that pretty girl with long blonde hair and the sweetest smile in the courtyard. 

The Connelly kids were also blondies but skinny and ornery. They loved to tease and taunt the rest of us and laugh when someone else fell down. Even so, they were part of the gang and we accepted them. 

G.B. Lauber--sounds like a name on an office door--was an only child whose father had died in WWII. He was one of the younger kids, but he loved being in the courtyard with the rest of us. He was a Momma's Boy. To this day, I can hear his mother calling from the second floor--"G.B., come and get your orange juice." He obediently ran up the stairs, gulped down the proffered juice and hurried back to whatever game we were playing.Dark hair, round face, big eyes and a little on the chubby side. 

Jimmie Trimarco was older than most of us. He was overweight, had curly hair and dark brown eyes. He wore leather wristbands. He didn't mingle with us, but sat on the porch steps and watched. We were a bit scared of this silent boy.

One apartment was home to the Gunn family. And yes, one of the three boys was named Tommy. Being the WWII years, we all knew about Tommy guns, but no one ever teased him about his name. All three boys were accomplished in games and running. I can see them running in and out between the sheets some mother had hung to dry in the courtyard. They loved doing it, even when a mother hollered at them. They stopped until the mother had gone inside, and then...

Bill Peaslee lived in a big, yellow house across the alley from our courtyard. He played with us as much as he did with the kids on his block. He was also in my grade school classes. Red hair and freckles, a Mickey Rooney kind of kid who grew up to be a policeman. 

There were many more. Sally was the only one I kept in touch with over the years. I babysat for many of the smaller kids and babies in the building. I could make a list of the ones that were fun to take care of and those who whined and cried or gave me problems. I've often wondered how each of them turned out as adults. 

Yes, I could look back at those kids in my neighborhood and describe each one in detail. You can probably do the same with the neighborhood kids you grew up with. 

As an exercise today, pick two or three of those children and write a character sketch. Many of the characters in the stories we write hold the physical and behavioral traits of kids we knew once upon a time. We may use some of them on which we base a character without even realizing it. They have a place in our subconscious. 

Choices Writers Make

 Today's poster may rub some the wrong way. They might feel like it's not a choice but a blame game. 'Oh sure, blame me when things go wrong in my writing life.' It's not to make you squirm and feel bad. Far from it. 

It's realistic. We've all watched politicians put the blame on everything and everyone but themselves. No one likes to be at fault for any problem. They know that errors are a way of losing votes. Writers have only themselves to hold accountable for whatever goes wrong in their writing life. They need not worry about votes, but instead, consider readers. As a writer, we want to give our readers the best we have to offer, so we should choose wisely.

Each writer is responsible for the decisions and choices made. When all goes well, we're rather satisfied, but when it doesn't, we look to put the blame elsewhere. It's a human thing. Little children will always point a finger at another child instead of themselves. As adults, we should have learned to accept the blame when things go wrong in our writing life. 

If I choose to write an article without doing some fact-checking, and it comes back to bite me, who is to blame? Me! If I decide to send a submission to a highly touted publication, and they accept it, who is responsible? Me! I wrote well and had the gumption to submit to the publication, so I get the credit. 

Yes, we get the credit for our good choices just as we take the blame for the ones that might not be so well done. We get credit for taking time to do writing exercises to enhance our writing skills. We get the credit for carving out time to write in our busy life. And many more positive things.

Whether we get blamed or lauded, whatever we did was our choice. We cannot bring in other people or situations and point a finger at them. If you want to do some finger pointing, all you have to do is look in a mirror. 

Do we always make the right choice when it comes to our writing life? Of course not. As stated before, we're humans and humans make mistakes. The mature writer accepts the blame when a wrong choice is made, and, hopefully, he/she learns something. Then, he/she moves on.

In many posts, I offer ways to write or submit or market, and I usually say that what you do and how you do it is up to you. What I give are suggestions, but the decision to use them or not is entirely up to you. 

Your Memory Bank

 Above your nose and between your ears rests one of a writer's greatest resources--the Memory Bank. With every one of life's experiences, charming, embarrassing, or aggravating, you make a deposit, never having to wait in line or at the drive-up window to do so. Those memories stay there until you need to use them. All this with no monthly service charge and no statements to file. Your account is more than likely overflowing with riches.

Then comes time to make a withdrawal--the first time you begin to write. Every story, article, essay, poem or letter requires you to dip into your account. The best part is that no matter how many withdrawals you make, the bank is never empty. Every deposit remains,

All it takes to open the bank is a word or two. Even something as simple as 'mashed potatoes' might trigger a great story. "I remember one fateful night when my mother made me eat ice cold mashed potatoes long after everyone else finished dinner..." You're off and running.

Yes, above your nose and between your ears, treasures lie waiting in your Memory Bank. No penalty for early withdrawal.

Fact-Checking for Writers

 

When you're writing a story or a personal essay or a memoir piece that takes place a long time ago, you'd better not guess at what life was like then. It's far better to do a fact check so that you are sure that what you state is correct. 

People who write historical pieces need to do some research about the time period, including the well-known people of the time should you want to make a reference. Research takes time, but it also insures that your information is correct.If anyone questions what you wrote, you can defend yourself with the facts. 

Research can also bring information you had not known before. That's one of the joys of research. I knew a writer who once said that she loved doing research for her books so much, that she often took far too long to get back to the actual writing. 

If you're stating an amount of money an organization spent or donated in an article, be sure you have the correct figure. If you're wrong, some reader will surely call you on it. Journalists need to be strong fact checkers.

Clothing of an era figures in some stories. Don't put a young girl of the 1920s in a poodle skirt, popular in the 50s. Don't let your farm boy of the 1930s wear a hat with the Royals World Series prominent on it. Those are extremes, of course, but the point is to keep your characters dressed in the proper way for the time in which they lived. 

It's the same for the slang expressions. What was popular in the 60s doesn't work for union picketers in the 20s. Aristocratic people in the 1890s spoke more formally and more precisely than the working class did. Do some fact checking on the ways people spoke. If your story takes place in the UK, don't let your characters speak with American expressions. Find out what the Brits would say.

Is your character eating a plant based burger? If so, he/she had better be living in the present day. If you're writing a story set in the Depression era, make the foods fit the times, as well. More research for the writer. 

Novelists are more prone to doing research than those who pen short stories. It's just as important for the short story writer to check facts as it is for someone writing a book.

The time you take to research will pay off when you're writing your story or essay. It will make your writing believable and true. It can also save you a lot of grief later. Don't guess, check the facts.

Beginning a Writing Project

 Both our photo quotes today deal with the beginning of a project. Beginnings are pretty important, for if there is no beginning, there is a great big black hole. 

One poster tells us that if you have the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed. The second poster says that the beginning is the most important part of the work. Some would beg to differ on that, but if there is no beginning, there can be no middle or ending. 

There are a few writers who create the ending of a story first and then fill in the beginning and middle sections. I'm thinking that the number who do that is relatively small. 

Let's look at the first piece of advice for today. It takes courage to start a new writing project. There's enthusiasm involved, too, but you must be a bit brave to put fingers to keyboard and begin. Thoughts drift through your mind. What if this doesn't work out like it is in my mind? What if I get partway and get stuck? What will happen if I never finish? Who is going to publish this? And on and on... Yes, we all let thoughts tumble through our minds even as we begin something new with excitement. The poster tells us that if we can start, we can finish and find some success. 

Regarding that success:  it could mean more than one thing. Our first thought is that what we've written will be published. After all, that's what we all aim for. Success can also mean something as simple as the fact that you finished what you started. Or that you had a feeling of satisfaction once you had written the first draft, edited and revised. Success doesn't always mean the same to every writer.

Plato offers us the second bit of advice. He says that the beginning is the most important part of the work. It's where you invite your reader in and make him/her want to continue reading. The beginning section is not merely the first sentence, or not even the initial paragraph. It's more than that. You are setting the scene, introducing characters, and identifying the problem your protagonist faces. That could take several chapters. Or possibly only one. You're the writer; it's your choice.

Have you ever noticed writing contests that ask for the first line of a story, or three lines? I ran across contests that require only the first line or first three just yesterday. That tells you the significance of the beginning. 

When we pick up a book at the bookstore or library, one of the first things we do is to read the frontispiece or back of the book which helps us decide if we want to read it or not. Another way to determine that is to read the first few paragraphs. You'll get an inkling of what kind of story it is and the style of the writer. Another aid in choosing to read or not. A strong beginning will draw the reader immediately.

Do you have writing projects in your files that are only the beginning? For whatever reason, you never went back to finish what started out as a great project. Take a good look at the what you wrote. Maybe the 'beginning' needs some revision before you can move on to the rest of the story.

Keep in mind that once begun, there's more to be done.

Summer Reading--Mine and Yours

 

 

Today's post is for readers, including writers who are also readers. I've repeatedly encouraged all writers to be avid readers. Writers learn a great deal from reading the work of other writers. But, back to reading.

What are you reading this summer? Something light? Or a book that makes you do some deep thinking? Fiction? Nonfiction? Mystery? Romance? Sci-fi? Fantasy? Horror? Erotica? Favorite classics? Use the comment section to let us know what you are currently reading, or have recently read.

I enjoyed Christina Hamlett's A Little Larceny in Lynouth, a cozy mystery and Book 1 in a series. You can read my review at Amazon or put the book title in the search box at the top right on my blog. An entertaining book that took me away from everyday chores and transported me to a little village in England. 

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn captured my attention immediately. It's fiction based on an actual person. The story is about a young Russian woman who loves history and research but becomes a sniper in the Red Army during the early days of WWII. She is selected as part of a group of Russians who tour the USA asking for backing and funds before America enters the war. Mila becomes friends with Eleanor Roosevelt. A fascinating piece of history. 

I also read The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray which has been on the Best Seller list. Once again, fiction based on a real person(s). The woman who becomes J. P. Morgan's Personal Librarian lives with a secret. She is a black woman who is able to pass for white. Why she does this and how it affects her life is the basis for the story, as well as her relationship with the financial magnate in the early 20th century. Very well written by this dual writing team.

At the moment, I am reading The Murder Stone by Charles Todd. I've mentioned this author in earlier posts. Charles Todd is actually a mother-son writing team who have a long list of titles for their Inspector Ian Rutledge series and many more about Bess Crawford, Nurse. Both series take place in the WWI era and the few years after. The Murder Stone is a stand alone book, featuring neither of the series characters. These mysteries move at a fairly slow pace but have enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested in what's happening in London or one of the small villages in the UK.

I am a frequent library visitor, both my local public library and the library in the main building of the senior complex where I live. I also purchase books occasionally. Being a fast reader and having little space to keep a great many books, I use the library more often. 

I enjoy historical fiction and mysteries, both the thriller, suspense kind and the cozy mystery books. For some reason, I am drawn to books that take place during WWII, and right now, there are a great many of them being published. I like family sagas. I read biographies once in a while and always enjoy them, as well as memoir. The nonfiction books I read are mostly ones that deal with the craft of writing. 

If I find a book I like a lot, I'll look for more books by the same author. Some of the authors I like are John Grisham, Kate Quinn, Pearl Buck, Louise Penny, Charles Todd, Nora Roberts, Ken Follett, Rosamunde Pilcher, Anna Quindlen. There are others, but this list is long enough.

How about you? What are you reading this summer? 

2 Submission Sources

 

Yesterday, I received a notice of acceptance from the Southern Arizona Press. I'd submitted a short, simple poem titled 'Fairy Kisses' for their latest anthology, titled Dragonflies and Fairies. When I saw the Call for Submission, I remembered the poem I had written with the intention of it being published in a children's book or magazine. The poem sat in my files for a very long time, long enough to be dusty! 

Not long before this acceptance, I received one from 105 Meadowlark Reader, which is a journal published quarterly in Kansas, about Kansas, and written by Kansans. The upcoming issue deals with food, and my story, The Pie Lady, seemed just right. The editors thought so, too. 

I must admit that in and around these two successes I had several submissions to other publications that were turned down. The point is that I have submitted my writing in hopes of publication. If your work sits in your files, gathering dust, you'll never have the joy of reading your work in a publication. 

Finding places where you can submit is not always easy. It takes some work on your part. A search engine is your friend when it comes to finding publications that fit your writing. 

Facebook is your friend, as well, since there are many writing related group pages. One that I have found helpful is Call for Submissions which is a page for writers that offers many sources of places to which you can submit. If you are a Facebook member, go to the search box at the top left and type in Call for Submissions. When the page comes up, click Join, and you will find them in your newsfeed off and on. Or you can pop over there and check each day or once a week or whatever suits you. 

If you aren't on Facebook, why not? Yes, you hear some things about this social media page that might be a turn-off, but it is up to you how much time you spend there, what you post and what you read. It's helpful in adding to your writer's platform. You can make contacts with other writers, make announcements about your own writing, and more. Call for Submissions is only one of many writing group pages. Put Writing Groups in the search engine at the top left to find many more. Be selective. Join too many, and you might be overwhelmed. 

Another place that offers me sources is Sally Clark's Submission page, which is part of her author website. She sends individual notices for those who subscribe. I don't visit the page, but instead, I check each notice she sends to see if I have any interest. The Southern Arizona Press, where my poem will be published, was one Sally Clark sent. I would probably never have found it otherwise. The page says Christian Writers Submission Information. Yes, she does send info on Christian publications, but others, as well. 

I hope these two tips will help you find homes for whatever you have written--stories, poems, essays, and articles. 

Indie Book Publishing Q & A by Jim Potter

 

Jim Potter's latest book is pictured here. Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish Jim Potter is a friend and fellow member of Kansas Authors Club. His blog, Behind the Books, is one I read regularly. Recently, Jim posted some valuable information for writers who hope to self-publish. I learned a few things when I read his post, and I asked him if I might share it with my readers. He graciously agreed. So, here is part 1. 

Message sent by Michael: “Hi Jim, I was wondering if I could chat with you over the phone sometime in the next few days. I have some questions about publishing. I'm working on getting an ISBN, copyright, etc., but I'm not sure how to go about it.”

My reply: “CONGRATS on your big progress! I didn't think you'd get back to writing your books until your baby grandchildren were graduated from college.”

A friend, let’s call him Michael, contacted me with some questions he had about publishing his soon-to-be book. His book designer suggested he contact me.

I was surprised to hear from him. Three years earlier, he had invited me to a bookstore to pick my brain about finding an agent to represent him as he searched for a publisher for his book manuscript. Now, I’ve just learned, he’s decided to self-publish and be an indie (independent) author.

On our phone call, Michael is ready to start asking me questions, but first, I want to catch up. He hasn’t been idle. Besides visiting grandchildren, he’s been busy cleaning up book number one for publication in a planned three-book, sci-fi series.

Since he has plans for publishing and selling more than one book, I know he’ll want to purchase a block of International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN). Nearly every book published today has a specific ISBN assigned to the literary work so it can be efficiently marketed over the country, even the world. The number is printed on the copyright page and the back cover.

Michael is a bit surprised to learn that his first book will require at least two ISBNs since he wants a printed book and an e-book to be available for purchase. He decides to buy a group of ten consecutive numbers at a discounted price from R. R. Bowker LLC (myidentifiers.com) for $295 rather than a single ISBN for $125.

An author can have their book printed without an ISBN, but it won’t be available to purchase in most bookstores or from online companies. If an author only wants a very limited number of copies for family members, and doesn’t expect or desire sales, then there’s no need to purchase an ISBN, but potential national sales mean following industry standards.

I tell Michael, “I used three different ISBNs for my recently published novella, Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish, because it’s sold as a print (perfect bound) book, e-book, and audiobook. Hardback books, large print books, and revised editions each need their own ISBN. The numbers can never be reused.

ISBN:  978-0-9790697-2-7 

The first three numbers in this 13 digit ISBN is called the prefix. It designates that it is a book. The next grouping/identifier is the country, geographic region, or language area of the publisher. In this example, the "0" designates the book was published in the USA. The third group of numbers is the publisher identifier. The fourth grouping is the title identifier. The last single digit is used to check the validity of the complete number.

Stand alone: ISBN: 978-0-9790697-2-7

Caption: The first three numbers in this 13-digit ISBN is called the prefix. It designates that it's a book. The next grouping/identifier is the country, geographic region, or language area of the publisher. In this example, the "0" designates the book was published in the USA. The third group of numbers is the publisher identifier. The fourth grouping is the title identifier. The last single digit is used to check the validity of the complete number.

“Purchasing a barcode (which is not the same thing as an ISBN) is another expense.” A barcode is an electronic image that carries identifying information about the book, including its unique ISBN and price."

Caption: The first "5" in the 51495 barcode denotes US dollars, so the retail price is $14.95 . When publishers choose to not print the retail price of the book on the barcode, the number 9000 denotes no price. Bookstores find the current price of the book when their electronic cash register retrieves the price from the store's database. Expect to pay $25 for a barcode.

“What about the Library of Congress number?” asks Michael.

“It’s not required, but it’s free. There’s an application form that can be completed online. (loc.gov/publish/prepubbook/)

Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) for Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish: 2022905348.

“Once the book is published, the library expects you to send a copy of the book to them, but there’s no fee, and no guarantee the book will be selected and catalogued for its collections. Can you imagine being a librarian trying to find one book out of 38 million, if it didn't have an assigned number?”  

Books published by big presses that are more likely to have their books in public library collections, often go an extra step. They participate in the Cataloging in Publication Program (CIP) offered by the Library of Congress. It includes specific data on the copyright page, including a library catalogue number.

Indie publishers may not be eligible to have the Library of Congress issue a library number, but publishers can still include book information, including its genre and subcategories.

This information for Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish is printed on the copyright page.: FICTION / Literary. FICTION 1. Amish 2. Police 3. Culture.

“How do I get a copyright?” continues Michael.

“I’m not an attorney, but I haven’t paid to have my books copyrighted. As the author, I’m the legal owner of my books. I created them. When I wrote them, they became my intellectual property. Once a manuscript is written, printed, or posted online, the document becomes evidence of literary ownership.

“Each book I’ve published is listed on the copyright page. It includes the year of publication, and my name. (Copyright © 2022 by Jim Potter.)

“Formally registering your book is not required because the law already protects the written word, even if you don’t use the copyright symbol. Of course, if you want to have an extra layer of protection, there are businesses who will take your money.”

Since Michael is going to be an indie publisher, I wonder if he’s decided on the name of his publishing company. “Have you named your company yet?”

“What?” he asks.

“When you assign an ISBN to your book, you’ll need the name of the publisher. It you’re self-publishing, you’ll want a unique name. I chose Sandhenge Publications because Alex and I live in the sandhills. We named our place Sandhenge after we planted trees in a circle on a sandy rise.”

“No, I haven’t thought about a name,” replies Michael.

“Once you decide on a name you like, be sure and google it. If you want amazon.com, it’s already being used.

“I’ve heard of it,” answers Michael.

“Do you have any blurbs or endorsements yet for the back cover,” I inquire.

“No, do I need one?” asks Michael.

“It's your book, you can decide, but if someone is reading the back cover of your book, then a blurb can help influence the potential customer. Blurbs should enhance the synopsis. I want readers who are intrigued by my story. However, I don’t just want a sale, I want satisfied customers. If they expect romance or fantasy and the book's a murder mystery, then they'll be disappointed.

“Next time we talk, I'll tell you about getting blurbs.”

"Thanks, Jim. Maybe on my second book I'll seek an endorsement, but it seems too late to try and get one now."

"Yes," I agree. "You can't expect an established author, especially someone you don't even know, to drop everything to read your 90,000 word sci-fi book and write you a blurb just because you're in a hurry to get your book published."

Michael was learning from his publishing experience. He concluded, "next time, I'll start earlier."

To be continued

Happy writing and reading,

Jim

My books are available for purchase at my website, jimpotterauthor.com; bookstores everywhere; and online at amazon.com. If you prefer an e-book, you can purchase one almost immediately at Amazon.com. If you're too busy to read a book, even a novella, in the near future audiobooks will be available. 

 

About Creative Nonfiction

 

Lee Gutkind is the founder and editor of Creative Nonfiction magazine. He also wrote a book titled You Can't Make This Stuff Up, which is a guide to writing creative nonfiction. 

Mr. Gutkind gives a simple definition of creative nonfiction. He says it is 'true stories, well told.' He uses this explanation on the banner of his magazine. 

There's a little more to it than that, however. We hear and read the term 'creative nonfiction,' but does everyone know a definition that has more depth than the one on Mr. Gutkind's magazine banner? 

Creative nonfiction is a true story told using fiction techniques. Nonfiction, of course, tells us that the story is true. The 'creative' part of the term might lead people to believe the story is made up, which totally contradicts the nonfiction part. Think of the 'creative' part as using fiction storytelling techniques rather than writing a piece of nonfiction that does nothing but give the facts. 

Some examples of creative nonfiction are memoirs, personal essays, and feature length articles in magazines. Fiction writing tools like dialogue, scene setting, characterization, vivid descriptions and more are used to relate a true story. 

Nonfiction that dwells on facts alone is fine in some instances, but switching to using the same facts but in a more creative way, writing using fiction methods, offers a more interesting read. Speaking personally, creative nonfiction is more satisfying to me the writer. A scientist might prefer to write pure nonfiction with facts, experiments, and statistics. Other writers would probably prefer adding those fiction tools to make the piece of greater interest. A memoir with nothing but the facts of what happened in the author's life probably would not appeal to editors or to readers. Using fiction methods makes the true story more realistic and something more easily related to for the reader. 

If you have a little extra time this weekend, use a search engine to find articles on 'writing creative nonfiction' or stop by your library to check for books on the same. Or, purchase one at your favorite online bookseller. You might discover you've been writing creative nonfiction, but you weren't aware that your writing fit this category. 

The Occasional Writer or...?

 

To take Edgar Rice Burroughs advice in today's poster, you need to be a certain kind of writer. Let me introduce you to two writers. Samantha is an occasional writer. Veronica is a serious writer. 

Samantha enjoys writing stories and poems. She is also a social butterfly, never saying no to a time to gather with friends. She also loves to shop and hits all the sales in town. Besides those two time drainers, this woman has two children whom she cares for, cooks for, shops for and more. When Samantha has s little free time, she gathers her thoughts and sits at her computer desk to write a new story on her laptop. She becomes absorbed in the project and has her first draft finished just in time to change clothes and meet Glenna for lunch. The next week, she is totally involved with getting summer activities lined up for her children, attending several meetings, and hitting the sales for summer clothes for her kids. It's a month before she gets back to proof and edit the story she wrote. She wonders if she'll ever have time to get the story polished and work on submitting it to a publication.

Samantha is a occasional writer, for sure. She thinks about writing a great deal, but somehow she seldom finds time to actually write. If she's satisfied with the amount of writing she is doing, it's fine to be that occasional writer. She will probably have very few publications to her name. That's alright if she doesn't have the drive or passion to write more often. If she had those two things, she would cut back on her social life and shopping to carve out more writing time. It's her choice.

Veronica is a serious writer who spends a great deal of her time writing essays, stories for kids, poetry, and articles on the craft of writing. She sets time aside for writing but still manages to take care of her two children and have an occasional lunch with friends, or a shopping spree once in a great while. Veronica has a long list of credits in the publishing world. She's also placed in numerous writing contests. She knows that the more she writes, the stronger her writing becomes. 

Veronica is an extrovert, just like Samantha, but she budgets her social time so that she has more hours to write. She is passionate and driven to write. She feels the need to write almost as much as she does to breathe. She gives up some things in order to devote more time to writing. It's her choice.

Neither Samantha or Veronica depends on their writing income to survive. If they did, both would be in big trouble. Even though Veronica is a serious writer, she is still a part time writer. People who write for a living must devote many hours to this occupation just as someone who works in an insurance office or an import-export firm or as the County Treasurer. 

Samantha and Veronica are not real people. Even made up, they are examples of two different kinds of writers. Is your writing world similar to one or the other? Are you satisfied with the time you give to writing? If not, can you figure out how to carve more time for writing out of your busy life? We're all different people, and we should do whatever works for us as individuals. It's your choice.

Are Writing Conventions Worthwhile?

 

The people in our photo today might be of a workshop held as part of a writer's convention. Someone with writing expertise shares his/her knowledge about a particular phase of writing. I've attended many of them, and I've also been the one to present the topic to a roomful of people interested in the writing world. I enjoy both attending and presenting.

Some writers wonder if going to a writing convention is worthwhile. They can easily talk themselves out of going. Many of the excuses are valid. Things like:  the cost, too far away, too big--won't know anyone, not the subject I'm interested in, takes time away from writing, and the list goes on. I fear it is sometimes easier to talk yourself out of going than to make the commitment to attend.

I have enjoyed our Kansas Authors Club state convention every time I have attended. I've never come home feeling like I had wasted my time. The first time I went, I didn't know a soul. The three days were divided into the Read-Arounds, business meeting of the organization, workshops, lunches and dinners, keynote speakers, a Book Room, and an Awards Ceremony. At each part of the meeting, I made a point to introduce myself to the person sitting next to me. I asked them where they were from and what kind of writing they liked to pursue. As we moved from room to room, I'd see some of those people and always got a wave or a smile. 

Our state meeting offers a choice of three workshops in a time slot. Some are repeated, while others are not. Choosing which ones to attend is not always easy. I have found that I liked seeing who was in each workshop, as it told me they had the same interest as I did. I almost always came away feeling inspired to write. I often initiated the conversation as we waited for the presenter. Many of the people there were already 'old friends.' I was the new kid on the block. When I went back the next year, I saw some familiar faces and conversations came easily.

One of the ladies in my small local spin-off of the state group was on a planning committee for the next convention. It was a time when not all writers were familiar with the internet or how to take advantage of the benefits it offered writers. She knew that I used it and asked me if I would consider leading a workshop on the topic of "How to Submit Your Writing Using the Internet"  It sounds strange now as almost 100% of writers do so now, but then, it was something new. By agreeing to lead the workshop, I became known to quite a few people. 

When I began to receive awards in some categories of our state writing contest, my name became familiar at the next conventions. I agreed to take a district office more than once. By doing so, I widened my group of Kansas Authors friends, and I felt comfortable asking for answers to questions I might have or to give my opinion when asked. 

During the pandemic, our state convention was held via zoom. It worked! The best part was being able to see recordings of some of the workshops I'd missed, and the worst part was not having that one-on-one human interaction. This year, the convention will be held in person over an October weekend. 

Several years ago, a writer I know had a dream of starting a conference for people who wrote 'small town mysteries.' Her dream grew, and I landed on the planning committee. We held the conference for a few years with people coming both locally and from other states. I learned how much work goes into planning a conference or convention, and I had fun plus learned a great deal about a genre I had never tried. 

I definitely feel like writing conventions, large or small, are worth the time and money a writer must give to attend.  It's a place to learn more about the writing craft, to make writer friends, to share your own knowledge about writing, to get inspired to write, to make connections with editors, printers, and publishers, perhaps an opportunity to display and sell your books, 

You can choose from very large writing conventions to very small conferences. Start small and work your way up to the large national ones that hone in on specific genres. So, where do you find these meetings? Use your old friend Google, or any other search engine. If you belong to a state writing organization, you'll be aware of the times and places of your annual convention. Plan ahead. My biggest piece of advice is to immerse yourself into the convention. Don't be the person who never speaks to anyone or never participates in any way. You're bound to lose a lot of the benefits that way.

A Little Larceny in Lynmouth--Book Review

 Christina Hamlett has been a Guest Blogger here several times, giving us some good advice regarding writing. She is the author of 44 books, 264 stage plays, former actress, and 'squillions' of articles on the craft of writing. And more! Her most recent book, A Little Larceny in Lynmouth, was published in mid-May of this year. It's Book 1 in a cozy mystery series. 

We've probably all heard the term 'cozy mystery' but do you know the actual meaning? It's not telling us this is a book that you can get comfy cozy in your favorite chair and enjoy reading. A cozy mystery is  'crime fiction where sex, violence, and cursing are kept to a minimum, and often happens offstage' leaving much to the imagination.' That's the official description, but yes, you can get comfy cozy and enjoy reading it, too. One of the cozy mystery writers we all know was Agatha Christie, author of the Miss Marple series. The Nancy Drew series also fits the genre.

A Little Larceny in Lynmouth takes place in the village of Lynmouth on the Devon coast of England. Rochelle Reid, also known by the nickname of 'Rocky,' has lost her job at an import firm in London. Needing a change of scenery and new employment, she lands in Lynmouth. She finds accommodation in a large home that has been turned into small flats for several people. Three days after Rocky arrives, her landlady, Mrs. Gladfelte, dies after eating chocolates laced with poison. Sergeant Mallory, an inept policeman is to head the investigation.

Meanwhile, Rochelle, or Rocky, regales the reader with her conception of each of the renters in Mrs. Galdfelte's large house. A retired man who is a widower, a woman madly in love with her married boss, another woman who is dating a very important man who works for an MP, a man whose occupation is to model, but only his hands. There is a good-looking man who Rocky is attracted to except for one thing--he is a fishmonger, learning the trade from his uncle. 

Rochelle finds a part time job in a small shop that sells antiques and what-nots. When she is at the house where she lives, she continues to get to know her housemates through casual meetings, and the nightly gathering in the living room for sherry and discussion of the murder, for murder it must be for who would knowingly eat poisoned chocolates? 

Rochelle frequents a local pub and becomes friends with the bartender. She confides in him as she can't reveal her suspicions to any of the people in the house. 

As in all good mysteries, new bits and pieces pop up related to the murder and about the people who live in the house. Red herrings and a bit of romance keep the reader turning pages. We are kept hanging until all is resolved, and Rocky's life takes another turn, as well. 

And yes, she becomes attracted to the handsome fishmonger, even though she fights the whole idea. The supporting cast of characters becomes more and more interesting as time goes on, while Rocky is trying her best to figure out the how and why of the murder they are all suspected of--by each other. Besides all that is going on in Lynmouth, Rocky's past employment problems catch up with her.

Finally, we learn what happened to poor Mrs. Gladfelte and more about the tenants in her house.

A Little Larceny in Lynmouth fits the description of a cozy mystery. There is a crime, and sex, violence, and cursing are kept to a minimum. Ms. Hamlett also offers a bit of romance and a good splash of humor from Rocky as she narrates the story.  I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to Book 2 in the series after reading the initial chapters included at the back of Book 1. 

You can order A Little Larceny in Lynmouth on Amazon or Barnes and Noble, either for your Kindle or as a paperback.

A Photo Prompt Exercise on the 4th of July

 

Today is a Monday, the beginning of another week. It's also the 4th of July holiday. For those who are having a quiet holiday, I have a writing prompt photo for you. 

I saw this photo on a friend's Facebook page. Carole Bumpus, author, is on vacation in France enjoying a wine cruise. The photo was one she took while visiting the wine country. It immediately captured my attention. What a great writing prompt! was the thought that skipped through my mind. I asked Carole if she would give me permission to use it on my blog, and sweet woman that she is, she granted permission. You can read my review of her book, Searching For Family and Traditions at the French Table here.

Use the photo below as a writing prompt exercise. It prompted me to wonder what would I find if I walked through the opening Who or what is  on the other side of the wall? What colors are predominant in the photo? Does the photo bring a period of time in history to you? Or is it present day? Study the photo before you begin to write. Write a short story, or a poem, or a piece of flash fiction. I'm eager to know what you found when you slipped through the portal to the unknown. Use your imagination and creativity.

Write About July's Holiday

June seemed to fly by allowing July to creep up before we realized it. I think of July as the prime of summer and also the patriotic month because of the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday. 

The colonists fought for eight long years to gain independence from Britain. We celebrate that victory every Fourth of July with parades, patriotic speeches, picnics, lots of good food, and fireworks. 

Write about your family traditions on this holiday. Write about it for future generations in your family. They will be interested in the way your family celebrated. What did the kids do that day? Did any of the family dress in the traditional red, white, and blue? Did they attend parades? Did they have a family picnic? Go to a lake? Attend a huge fireworks show or have their own smaller fireworks display? 

Write about what the holiday means to you and your family. Is it merely a fun-filled time, and if it is, that's alright. We're free to celebrate in our own way. If it touches your feelings of patriotism, write about that, as well. 

I'll close with one of my poems that was published in an anthology several years ago. 

Fourth of July Parade

Celebrate the red, white and blue.

On this day, keep it in all you do.

Blow the bugle and beat the drums,

march proudly wherever you’re from.

Remember the patriots who steadfastly tried,

and all those souls who readily died. 

Scores perished so that we may be free

to worship God, not king, on bended knee.

    

Carry the flag proudly this exceptional day.

 “I’m an American” you can happily say.

Move on with a steady step and head held high.

Let your heart swell as you look to the sky.

This is our Independence Day celebration—

the annual birthday of, this, our own great nation.

--Nancy Julien Kopp ©