This Writer is Making Some Changes

 

I've been thinking about something since the beginning of the year and trying to make a decision. I've been writing this blog for 14 1/2 years, and I've pondered on taking a new slant instead of the daily Monday to Friday blog post. I've also thought about quitting 100%, but that's not who I am.

Blogger, my server, is not as friendly as it once was. They stopped sending the posts to subscribers, so that meant finding a service to do so. I did find one, and now it is increasing the fee. I thought about using a different server, but all that I looked at had some kind of drawback. Many of the so-called 'free' ones are not actually free. Free to set up, but then charge a monthly or annual fee. Some add up to quite a bit in a year's time. The mail service costs have also gone up. 

Another reason I've decided to take a different route is that I find myself addressing the same topics over and over, even though I try to take a different slant. The stats on Blogger show that I have written 3, 371 posts over the years. Each one has several hundred words. That's a whole lot of words! I have been concerned that readers are finding repetition too often, and I don't like that situation at all. 

I started Writer Granny's World Blog because I wanted to give tips and encouragement to other writers. I was a former teacher, and the teacher part of me wanted to be of some service to those interested in the writing craft. I wanted to be of assistance to the newbie writers, as well.

Writing and managing the blog also cuts into my personal writing time. I would like to increase my output in that department. 

I've come to a compromise with myself that will hopefully be of some interest to my readers, as well. Instead of posting on Blogger and Facebook pages five days a week, I will write an occasional post and put it on three Facebook pages. My personal page where I have Friends and Writing Friends, Kansas Authors page, and my writer Facebook page. Some weeks it might be once, and others twice. Some weeks none at all. As time and mood allow.

My blog posts will not be coming to your inbox after today. If any of my subscribers would like to continue reading my posts, go to Facebook and put NancyJulienKopp,Writer in the Search box. Sign on as a Follower or as Add Friend, whichever pops up. 

I have so enjoyed being a blogger these many years, but I feel it is time for a change for me, and for my readers. Thank you for the many nice comments received through the years. I wish you all Good Writing!

The Eyes and Ears of a Writer

Our lives are busy, and the places we go are filled with people. School, church, restaurants, parties, meetings--all of these and more. We see and hear things everywhere. As writers, what we see and hear should be an inspiration to write.

It is, IF we pay attention, IF we use our writer's eyes and ears. What we see and hear in our everyday activities can give us an idea for a story, poem, or essay. 

For example, one day I was driving down a street that had trees on both sides, leaning over and forming a canopy of sorts. The phrase 'a tunnel of trees' came to my mind, and I reached far back into my childhood memory bank to see another street that was a tunnel of trees, one that my dad drove us down many times. Later in the day, when I got home, I wrote the first draft of a poem about the tunnel of trees I'd seen that day and the one from my memory. It was such a small thing--driving down that street, seeing the trees, and remembering, but it was the basis of the poem I wrote. It was in the quiet of the moment that the inspiration came.

Sometimes, a conversation we have overheard can give us something to write about. It's not a matter of eavesdropping. There are times when you can't help but hear what others are discussing. Watching the interaction of a mother and child on a bus or train could be the inspiration for a story. Seeing fans go nutso at a football game could be another story possibility. 

Today's quote says 'The quieter you become, the more you can hear.' It's in those quiet moments that your writer's eyes and ears can serve you well. 

Even going to a place where there are no other people, where quiet reigns, can bring ideas to a writer. The surroundings and the quiet itself can be inspiration. 

A writer trains him/herself to have eyes and ears that help them find topics to write about. Of course, we can't write about every little thing we see or hear, but certain people, places, or events speak more to us than others. When that happens, we had better listen. 

It doesn't matter whether you are in a crowded place or one of perfect serenity, your writer's eyes and ears can serve you well. All you need to do is look and listen. 

Write About Pets

 

Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats, or pets in general, seem to be a very popular topic for writers. Nonwriters who are pet lovers also pen their stories and feelings about a pet. These stories are sometimes included in Family Stories collections. After all, pets are part of the family, aren't they? 

Chicken Soup for the Soul has several books with the theme of either cats or dogs. The stories about these animals are so popular that the anthology editors put out calls for stories every now and then. They have a call for stories about cats or dogs with the deadline of December 15, 2023. That gives you a great deal of time to write and submit your story. One book is on cats, another on dogs. Go to the website, (www.chickensoup.com) and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Click on Submit Your Stories. That will bring you to the page of Possible Book Topics where you can find all the necessary information for the kinds of stories they are looking for and guidelines for same. Don't hesitate to send stories now, even with the far-away deadline date. 

Use a search engine like google and use keywords like 'places to submit pet stories,' and you'll find a good number. Be sure to read the guidelines to see if your story will fit a particular publication. 

You needn't keep to true stories. Fiction is also a place to feature dogs, cats, and other pets. I've used dogs in a few of my stories for middle grade children. In one, the dog was the one who saved the day when danger lurked for a young boy. In another, a dog gave a young boy courage to conquer his fear of crossing bridges. 

Non-fiction articles about pets are also sought by magazines, both adult and kids' publications. Just be sure your facts are true. Non-fiction articles can be presented in an interesting way, not merely a list of facts. 

Personal essays that include your pets are also possibilities for publication. Again, use a search engine to discover what publications use this kind of essay. 

Writing about your own pets gives you ample space to let others know how you feel about your pet and also allows you to use your descriptive powers. 

"Top Dog" is a story I wrote about my daughter and her husband having to get her cat and his two dogs to live together peacefully. It was published in Not Your Mother's Book on Cats several years ago. 

 

Top Dog 

My daughter, Karen, and her fiancé spent lots of time making wedding plans and deciding how to blend their two homes into one. Furniture and cooking pans were the least of their concerns. More important, they needed to figure out how to get three pets to live harmoniously in one house.

Ming, a male cat, and Karen shared a townhouse, and the big white cat liked life just as it was. When Steve became a regular visitor, Ming accepted this other man in his mistress’s life a little at a time, but he kept a wary on Steve, nevertheless.

There was still one more critical step to their nuptial bliss--the pet introductions. Karen described the meeting to me in a lengthy phone conversation. She said that Steve arrived at the townhouse with his two brindle boxers in tow. I listened to her tale, fearing what the end of the story might be. 

Max and Riley were big and muscular and a bit fierce looking, even though they were usually pretty calm canines. Sides heaving, the dogs confronted Ming while the humans held their breath. Barking and snarling, Max and Riley advanced. Steve shouted to no avail. Karen kept her eye on Ming while Steve tended to the dogs.

Ming fled to the kitchen and leaped onto the countertop, dogs and Karen racing behind. The cat paced, eyeing those two devil dogs who’d followed him. The attack cat was ready to rumble. In no time at all, he flew at them, claws out and a fierce expression on his usually tranquil face. Ming’s screeches and the dogs’ barking filled the small kitchen. Add in Steve and Karen’s voices trying to calm their individual pets, and chaos reigned. When Max and Riley charged, Ming retreated to a place on the counter where he knew the dogs could not reach him but could still see him. Back arched and hissing, he waited just out of the intruders’ reach. The night of terror didn’t last long. Steve gathered his two big dogs and headed home leaving a worried Karen and a still angry cat alone.

Karen had a talk with Ming after Steve and the dogs left, and no doubt, Steve reasoned with Max and Riley on the ride home. The five of them were going to live together and they would have to learn to get along. This engaged couple didn’t know it then, but they were in training for being parents. Handling kids would be a piece of cake if they managed to get the three pets to live peacefully together.

Weeks later, I spent a weekend with the newlyweds and their menagerie. I’d always been more partial to dogs, but Ming had worked his way into my heart long before. He often curled up next to me when I visited. That afternoon, Max and Riley stationed themselves in front of the sofa, one on either side of my legs, chins on the cushions, slobber included. Ming Kitty snuggled closer to me, not making a sound, but if looks could kill, we’d have been digging two big holes in the back yard for those sweet dogs.

That evening, the dogs were standing in the kitchen hoping for a scrap or two from dinner when I noticed Ming saunter by them. Without missing a beat, he whacked one of the dogs on the snout with his paw, then he kept right on walking. Max and Riley both looked a bit bewildered but left the cat alone. Ming had established his spot on the family tree. And it was several branches higher than the dogs. It may have been the first time a large white cat claimed the title of Top Dog.

Another year passed and the first baby joined the family. Jordan was born in the afternoon, and after I’d had my turn doing all the silly things a new grandmother is wont to do when meeting a grandchild. I left the new parents at the hospital and went to their house to feed the animals and spend the night with them, as we’d prearranged weeks earlier. These three pets had learned to tolerate one another, even though Ming Kitty  occasionally used the swat-on-the-nose method to keep the dogs in line. I wondered how they were going to accept this new family pet that would be coming home the next day. 

I shouldn’t have worried as they all loved Jordan, and as she grew, she fit right in with the three of them. Once she started to crawl, she chased Ming daily with her eye on his long white tail. Luckily, he was faster than she but I think he enjoyed the game as much as she did. Max and Riley lay on the floor watching, tongues hanging out. I knew they were cheering her on from the sidelines. If they could speak, they’d have been hollering, “Go Jordan, Get that tail!” 

They lived in harmony, Ming reminding Max and Riley that he ruled with the occasional nose swipe. It wasn’t a hard whack, more like he just wanted to bring up the fact that they were guests in his house and they’d better not start any trouble. He’d never admit that he’d come to like those two guys. 

Max was the first of the trio to pass on. But Riley still had Ming, and the cat seemed to sense his canine brother’s grief. They kept one another company and became good buddies. When Karen and Steve were at work, and Jordan at daycare, those two probably had a few good laughs together about the time they’d first met. That night of terror resulted in a long friendship even though Ming Kitty still wore the crown. Yep, he’d always be Top Dog of the feline world.

 

(c)

Writers, Take One Step at a Time

One step at a time

If you're a writer, you know that one of the first lessons learned is 'one step at a time.' At least, I hope you have gained that bit of knowledge and remind yourself of it now and then. 

Our photo today shows stepping stones to help you cross a body of water. You're not going to run across those stones. What if you plopped right into the water? You'd probably be cold, and definitely be sopping wet. Instead, you'd move from one stone to the other carefully to reach the other side, which is your goal. 

When you first started writing, you didn't leap forward straight into publication. If only it worked that way! We do have to move on our writing journey one step at a time. 

Writers whose dream is to write a novel and have it published should not dive right into writing a 400 page book. Write shorter pieces until you feel they show strong writing. Submit to publications to see if what you have written is worthy of publication. Publish a few short things before delving into the deep waters of novel writing. 

Take another step by reading as much as you can about the craft of writing. Read magazines like Writer's Digest, Writers and Poets, and The Writer. If you don't want to pay for a subscription, check to see if your library carries any of them. Mine does, and that's where I read The Writer off and on. The articles in this type of magazine can be inspiring as well as informative. Check your library for books on writing. If you find one you especially like, go ahead and buy it so you'll have a copy to refer to off and on. If you're so inclined, purchase books on writing and build your own library. Don't let them just sit on the shelf. Go through each one now and then to refresh what you learned from them.

One more step is to surround yourself with other writers now and then. Have coffee with one or two. No one understands a writer better than another writer. Go to workshops or conventions and mingle with many writers. Doing so can inspire you to write. 

The point here is that becoming a published writer takes a series of steps. It's a long process. I've been writing for almost thirty years, but I am still learning, and I'm still trying to become a better writer. Don't expect miracles to happen in a short time. Keep moving across those stepping stones, one at a time, and do it carefully.

 

Writers Must Learn to Cut Words

Today's post is a repeat regarding  cutting words. Such a necessary but difficult thing for writers to do. 

Two posters suggest cutting words. ...cut it to the bone Stephen King tells us. The anonymous author of the second quote tells us we are going to have to delete much of our first draft. He/she says that is when we know we are a writer but it might take us a long time to learn that.

Or maybe you don't agree with what these two quotes tell us. Maybe you are averse to cutting words or deleting entire sections of something to which you gave time and effort. You love some of the phrases or you are extremely proud of the way a certain section turned out. Cut? No way! 

I think this is when our ego and our talent as a writer get tangled. Those words we write are precious. We wouldn't take one of our children and toss them out, would we? That's how some writers feel about cutting parts of the story or deleting unnecessary words. They end up with wordy, dreary writing.

The cutting process will leave you with a much stronger piece of writing. If you edit with an objective eye--keyword here being objective--you can find areas that may be lovely prose but add nothing to the story itself. Or the essay or poem--whatever you are writing. 

In my first online writers' group, our moderator was a fine writer and a tough taskmaster. She was hard on all the members over one bad practice or another but she broke many of us of bad habits. One of those was being too wordy. She would cut huge chunks of a submission. That often hurt the writer but she always added a valid reason for what she suggested. Some people only needed unnecessary words cut but with others, it was entire paragraphs or even sections. I always read the critiques that this woman gave to other writers because I learned a great deal by doing so. As time went by, I could see that her suggestions on cutting were very beneficial. 

Here's a little problem with slashing our words. We're writers. We're word people. We love words and phrases and sentences. We don't want to get rid of any of it. Still, one of today's quotessuggest we are not real writers if we cannot make peace within as we slash, dice and slice some of what we've written. I know that, when I do this, I end up with a stronger piece of writing. 

Some of us tend to be redundant. We repeat the same idea with different words within the same paragraph. Part of the reason we tend to do that is to make sure the reader 'gets it.' Give your reader a little more credit for being able to 'get it' with only one try. When you edit your work, look for those areas where you have repeated yourself in some way and cut until you have made the point with one sentence. 

A fine poet in my online group frequently suggests cutting a lot out of a poem that has been subbed. That old less is more comes into play here. When she tells me to cut something, I pay close attention because I know she is a gifted poet and sees more than the average person. 

Don't be concerned with those many words you end up cutting. Put them away in your mental file box to use again some day. Those precious words aren't gone forever. 

Shrove Tuesday Celebrations

 

Today is the day before the Lenten season begins for Christians. Known as Shrove Tuesday, and sometimes Fat Tuesday, the day is full of merriment and festive happenings, as well as lots of eating. When we have special days like this, writers need to focus on how they can use the events of the day in their writing. 

Perhaps an article on the history of the Mardi Gras festivites in New Orleans and other southern cities. Or why women in Liberal Kansas run down the street flipping a pancake in a frying pan. Articles like this can work in a children's magazine or one for adults. Any such article would need to be submitted several months earlier. Write it now while these events are happening and save it to submit a few months down the line. 

Mardi Gras is a well known event. A huge, gala celebration with parades, costumes, food, drinks, more food and music. And huge crowds. This Fat Tuesday party began as a way to enjoy all the foods and drinks we love before the fasting period of Lent. Not a full blown fast, of course, but people gave up eating and drinking things they loved. So, on the day before Ash Wednesday (tomorrow), they feasted royally. 

A lesser known event takes place in two cities in the world. One is Liberal, Kansas and the other is Olney, England. Several women in each town compete in a Pancake Race. The competitors run 415 yards down a main street of each town while flipping a pancake in a frying pan. This race has gone on for 70 years with Liberal winning 40 times and Olney 30. The race has grown over the years as other events have been added to the day. Pancake Feeds, for sure and other things the townspeople can enjoy. Who will win this year? We won't know until later in the day. Newspapers and magazines have published stories on this annual race. Did you ever try running while flipping a pancake in a pan? I'm not sure I could do it standing still! 

When special days like this one come along, take advantage of them and write something--a poem, a story, a personal essay, a factual article. 

Book Review: A Little Poison in Paisley

I have been reviewing the cozy mystery series by Christina Hamlett on this blog, one by one. I've just finished reading Book #4, titled A Little Poison on Paisley. The other books were titled A Little Larceny in Lynmouth,  A Little Scandal in St. Andrews, and A Little Drama in Dunster. The titles and book covers in the four books are nicely related. All the books take place in the UK, either in England or Scotland. 

For those who are not aware of the meanng of a 'cozy mystery,' the term denotes a book that is a mystery without violence and a romance without explicit sexual scenes. There is a death, but we don't see it happening. They are not deep and dark but appealing to those who enjoy figuring out mysteries with a bit of romance on the side. 

In Book 4, we see Rochelle Reid and Jon Tapping once again finding themselves embroiled in a mysterious death. This time, they are in Scotland attending a wedding weekend at Granndach Manor, the palatial residence of the groom and his spinster older sister. The bride is a young woman who was Jon's first crush in his early teen years, but he hasn't seen her since. Even so, Rochelle is not feeling comfortable about the weekend. Still, a wedding on a snowy weekend in Scotland pleases her. She is hopeful that wedding thoughts might enter Jon's mind, too. 

The night before the wedding, a member of the bridal party leaves the table quite suddenly and soon after is found dead in a restroom. Jon is the one who has found the body, so the DI Inspector from the police department asks that Jon and Rochelle stay on while the investigation is taking place. 

Dilys, the groom's sister, invites the couple to stay at the Manor instead of the hotel in town. The hunt for a killer is on, the method and reason for the death unveiled one clue at a time. All this going on while Rochelle's jealousy over Jon's first crush continues, her love for Jon deepens, and her hope of wedding talk between them never wanes. 

This book, like the others in the series, offers mystery, romance, humor, and food descriptions that will leave you wanting to eat very soon. A side benefit is that the books will please the armchair traveler, as there is a great sense of place in each book. The book can be purchased though Barnes & Noble or Amazon as an ebook or a paperback. 

 

Writing Goals for 2023--Are You Keeping Them?

 

We're six plus weeks into 2023. At the beginning of the new year, I wrote a post about setting goals in your writing life. Some of people who read it decided to set some writing goals for the next twelve months. How many have kept working towards them, and how many have already discarded or ignored them? Some of each, I'm sure.

This morning, I read a daily devotion booklet that has very short devotions. Part of it hit home with the thought of setting and keeping goals. The author wrote the following:

"We have good intentions, but then we hit a barrier. Fear, doubt, greed, laziness, or lack of motivation, and we realize the old ways are the old ways because we have embraced them day after day."

Yes, we do have good intentions of working towards those goals we set. Then, some of those ingredients listed above prove to be road blocks. Fear, doubt, greed, laziness, and lack of motivation. Whew! That's quite a list. How easy it is to 'embrace' them day after day. 

Whenever we set goals in our writing life, we definitely have good intentions. Why, then, do we allow those barriers to keep us from achieving what we hoped to? We have to be made of stern stuff to surmount all those problems, but it can be done. Working to get rid of those blocks is not an easy task.

I know that setting too many goals at one time can be defeating. How in the world can we keep up with all those worthy intentions? One thing that might be a factor is that we don't make those goals with real determination. Our passion for writing doesn't shine through. Goal setting is serious business.

We also find those deterrents mentioned above, like fear, doubt, greed, laziness, and lack of motivation, to defeat us on our road to achieving our goals. I've suggested in other posts that you make a list of the goals you set and post it somewhere in the area where you usually write. Seeing them on a daily basis might act as motivation. Not every day, but many days. Out of sight, out of mind--that may be a cliche, but it works here. 

How about revisiting those goals you set? Or, if you never got around to making any goals in your writing life for this year, it's not too late. There's a great deal of 2023 left. 

Goal making and goal keeping are two different paths. Let's try to make those paths meet like a fork in the road. 

Stand Out Among Other Writers

 

Yesterday, I told you about our prediction of 3-8 inches of snow overnight. I tiptoed to the window when I woke this morning and looked out, expecting to see a white world and snow still falling. Instead, I found that we'd had only a dusting! There was a light covering of snow on the driveway, and now, even that has disappeared. Many closings for today were announced last night. The Kansas State University campus is closed today. The students must be cheering for the unexpected day off. Farther north of us, they did get more measurable snow. 

On to our photo for today. I loved this coffee mug that says 'Be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons.' What does that mean in our writing world? That we should work towards being the writer who stands out among all the other writers. The flamingo stands out when in the midst of a flock of pigeions because it is taller and more brilliant in color. 

How are you going to stand out from many, many other writers? Size and color don't matter a twit. But your ability to write so that readers sit up and pay attention does. How can you achieve that? 

There is no one way, to write on a daily basis is a step in a process. The more you write, the better writer you can become. 

Another is to make the best use of words possible. Do away with passive verbs; work at using as many action verbs as you can. Work at using descriptive phrases, at finding the best adjectives but not overusing them, at giving a distinct sense of place. 

One important way is to find your voice and use it to make your writing unique, to make what you write different from what others write. Your voice is your style of writing, the way in which you tell a story. It's the way your personality shines through and the way you put sentences together and your word choice. When you read the novels of a prolific author, don't you notice a sameness in the way he/she writes? The stories are different, but the author's voice is quite the same. Have you ever heard a reader say "I love the way he writes!" What they love is the voice the writer has developed.

Some writers do something to their physical appearance when they are at an event to make themselves noticeable. They might dress in outlandish clothing, or vintage clothing only, or revealing costumes. They might color their hair a color no one else has so they stand out in the crowd, and they become known for rainbow striped hair or whatever. They're trying to be the flamingo in the crowd, but their physical appearance is far less important than their writing ability. 

We all know that writing is hard work. To be that flamingo who stands out in the flock of writers, you'll need to work especially hard every day. Outstanding writers do not just happen. They are created by determination, diligence, and passion for the writing craft. 

Use Weather in Your Writing

 

Here in north central Kansas, we have a winter weather warning. A snow storm is smashing its way across the plains and farther. The snow is to begin late this afternoon or evening, continue overnight and into late morning tomorrow. Amount? How about a prediction of 3-8 inches? That is the prediction offered by our local radio station. There is a lot of difference between those two numbers. We can manage three inches, but eight will bring things to a standstill with lots of closings. We've had very few snowstorms this winter, and what we did get have been very small amounts. 

Today's photo is a happy reminder that spring is just around the corner. Well, almost. Thoughts of spring often help us through the cold, sometimes dreary, occasionally snowy winter. With spring, we'll have a few thunderstorms or soft rain that brings us green grass and the earliest flowers of the year.

Weather can play a factor in our writing. A story about a storm at sea can almost count the storm as another character. Think about the stories you've read that deal with blizzrds, tornados, hurricanes, torrential downpours and flooding. Weather offers a writer a lot to work with. 

When writing about weather, we can have a lot of fun using very descriptive words. Instead of saying 'It was windy' we could write 'The wind roared.' Why write 'It snowed a lot.' when you could write 'The snow fell softly all night and left fluffy piles on the deck and lawn furniture, 

For an exercise today, choose one or more from the list below and write a descriptive paragraph.

A. a hurricane on an island

B. a tornado in Oklahoma

C. a summer thunderstorm

D. a blizzard in the Rocky Mountains

E. a dust storm in western Kansas

F. a clear, sunny summer day

G. a river flooding the surrounding area

H. a day with high winds

I. sleet

J. a hailstorm

Or pick any other weather-related topic. 

For a second exercise, select one from the list above and write a paragraph that involves a person, or people, experiencing that kind of weather. 

Adding weather to your stories and poems can bring life to your writing. 

I'll finish today with a haiku that won first place in a contest. The sound of thunder as I woke up one spring morning prompted me to write it in my head, then put it in print as soon as I got up. 

rolling thunder hums

within dark, ominous clouds

melody of spring

(c)

Write About Your Valentine Memories

 It's Valentine's Day, 2023. Our photo today is of an old-fashioned kind of valentine kids gave one another in school. There was usually a party in grade school classes. It was a lot of fun. 

What other valentine memories do you have? Ones from your teen years? Your young adulthood? Middle years? Senior years? 

What family stories do you remember that had something to do with Valentine's Day? Did your mom make anything special to eat on Valentine's Day? Maybe heart-shaped cookies, or a cake with pink frosting and a heart  decorating the top. Did your family exchange gifts on this day of love? Did your dad bring flowers to your mother? Or a box of chocolates? 

If some of my questions triggered your memory, write about what Valentine's Day memories you have. Were you happy? Were you perhaps hurt because that special person didn't give you a valentine? Like all things, there are happy and sad memories. We need to write about both kinds. 

My husband brought me yellow roses yesterday, a bit early but no complaints here. And yellow because they are my favorite color. He'll have a card for me this morning, and I have a card and a box of chocolates for him. Something he loves. Yes, even in our senior years, we still exchange Valentine's Day gifts. 

I have written one actual Valentine's Day story which was published. This story earned me a spot in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book for the very first time. Needless to say, I was pretty excited when I received the news. I'll post the story below, even though I have done so many times. Some of my readers may not have seen it before, and others might enjoy it again. 

Love In A Box

By Nancy Julien Kopp

When I was a little girl, I found love in a box all because of a class assignment. On a Friday night I made an announcement at the dinner table. The words bubbled out in a torrent of excitement I could no longer contain. "My teacher said we have to bring a box for our valentines on Monday. But it has to be a special box all decorated."

Mother said, "We'll see," and she continued eating.

I wilted faster than a flower with no water. What did "We'll see" mean? I had to have that box, or there would be no valentines for me. My second grade Valentine's Day would be a disaster. Maybe they didn't love me enough to help me with my project.

All day Saturday I waited, and I worried, but there was no mention of a valentine box. Sunday arrived, and my concern increased, but I knew an inquiry about the box might trigger anger and loud voices. I kept an anxious eye on both my parents all day. In 1947, children only asked once. More than that invited punitive measures; at least in my house it did.

Late Sunday afternoon, my father called me into the tiny kitchen of our apartment. The table was covered with an assortment of white crepe paper, red construction paper, and bits and pieces of lace and ribbon from my mother's sewing basket. An empty shoebox rested on top of the paper. Relief flooded through me when Daddy said, "Let's get started on your project." 

In the next hour, my father transformed the empty shoebox into a valentine box I would never forget. Crepe paper covered the ugly cardboard. My father fashioned a ruffled piece of the pliable paper and glued it around the middle. He cut a slot in the lid and covered it with more of the white paper. Next came red hearts attached in what I considered all the right places. He hummed a tune while he worked, and I kneeled on my chair witnessing the magical conversion of the shoebox and handing him the glue when he needed it. When he finished, my father's eyes sparkled, and a smile stretched across his thin face. "What do you think of that?"

My answer was a hug and a "Thank you, Daddy." 

But inside, joy danced all the way to my heart. It was the first time that my father devoted so much time to me. His world consisted of working hard to support his family, adoring my mother, disciplining my brother and me, and listening to every sports event broadcast on the radio. Suddenly, a new door opened in my life. My father loved me. 

Monday morning, my mother found a brown grocery sack to protect the beautiful box while I carried it to school. I barely felt the bitter cold of the February day as I held the precious treasure close to me. I would let no harm come to my beautiful valentine box.

My teacher cleared a space on a long, wide windowsill where the decorated boxes would stay until Valentine's Day. I studied each one as it was placed on the sill, and none compared with mine. Every time I peeked at my valentine box, I felt my father's love. My pride knew no bounds. There were moments when the box actually glowed in a spotlight all its own. No doubt the only one who witnessed that glow was me. 

Every day some of my classmates brought valentine cards to school and slipped them into the slots of the special boxes. The holiday party arrived, and we brought our boxes to our desks to open the valentines. Frosted heart cookies, red punch, valentines and giggles filled our classroom. Chaos reigned until dismissal time arrived.

I carried my valentine box home proudly. It wasn't hidden in a grocery sack but held out for the world to admire. I showed it to the policeman who guided us across a busy city street. He patted me on the head and exclaimed over the box. I made sure everyone along the way took note of my valentine box. My father had made it for me, and the love that filled the box meant more to me than all the valentines nestled inside.

From that time on, I never doubted my father's feelings for me. The valentine box became a symbol of his love that lasted through decades of other Valentine Days. He gave me other gifts through the years, but none ever compared with the tender love I felt within the confines of the old, empty shoebox.

(c)

Writers Who String Pearls

 

Today's post is a repeat, but one that should be helpful to those wanting to write a memoir, or short memoir pieces, and even family stories.

We do not remember days, we remember moments

I read the quote above at the bottom of a Happy New Year greeting I once received. It fit perfectly with the topic I'd selected for today's post. I wish that the person who wrote this quote had been named. Sadly, it is anonymous.

We do remember the special moments in our lives with a clarity that I find amazing. I've had special moments that have stayed with me for the many decades I've walked this earth, and it's been those moments that have created memoir stories that seem to be perfect for many anthologies.

Each one of those special moments is like a pearl, and as writers, we can string them together to create a memoir of our lives. The individual moments shine in our memory bank like the pearls on a necklace. They gleam and step forth clearly so we can write about them.

One of my favorite pearls is a story I wrote for a Chicken Soup Tea Lovers book. My grandmother and I had afternoon tea at the famous Walnut Room at Marshall Field's department store in Chicago when I was four years old. Only a young child, I still remember it as clearly as if it happened yesterday. Because the memory remained vividly in my mind, I found I could recreate the event well enough to have the story published.

Another is a story about a valentine box my dad made for me during my second-grade year. I believe I remember it so well because a revelation hit me while Dad and I spent time together making the box.

Yet a third special moment memory that produced a publishable story is about the first time I had surgery. I was four and staying in the hospital proved frightening until a beautiful and compassionate nurse eased the experience for me. She set me on a path of service to others for the rest of my life.

The events that impressed us the most are the ones we remember as though they happened only yesterday, not years ago. Those moments are the individual pearls that we string together.

When an event occurs in our life that has some importance in shaping our character or signifies love and family, the memory becomes more important than the mundane things in our days. The memories are stored until we pluck them out and add one more pearl to our life's necklace. All it takes is a little trigger to bring the memory forth. Once it's there, it's up to you to write the story.

  

  

Writers--Dealilng With Self-Doubt

 

Only a very few writers have self-doubt. True or false? I believe that a great many writers doubt themselves. They question themselves on a regular basis, and as our poster says, that is an enemy to creativity. 

Questions like:  Will I be able to get published? Am I good enough to submit my work for publication? Do I measure up to popular, highly-published writers? Do I have writing talent, or am I fooling myself? Is my work too amateur appearing? Am I able to grow as a writer? 

All those questions are good ones and typical of newbie writers. They are also questions more experienced writers sometimes ask themselves. College athletes ask many of the same kinds of questions when the prospect of going pro comes up. It seems to be natural to have some self-doubt, no matter what field you are in. 

Like most things, there are degrees of self-doubt. Some writers question their ability on an occasional basis. Others do so a little more often, and some make it a daily occurrence. Those in the last group end up deciding that writing is no fun, and they often give up. 

Writers should strive for no self-doubt or just an occasional time. More than that, and you can easily come to dislike writing and make yourself miserable. Some writers keep these feelings to themselves, while others whine to friends and family. Don't ever use self-doubt as an excuse for not getting published.

What can you do to overcome the self-doubt trait in your writing world? 

A. Continue learning your craft by reading books about writing, attending workshops and conventions, and joining a writing group. 

B. Write on a daily basis. The more you write, the better writer you can become.

C. Don't be afraid to submit your work to a publication. Do it over and over and over. All writers get rejections. If you get one, know that you have plenty of company. The more you submit, the greater the possibility of receiving an acceptance. 

E. Remind yourself often of any successes you've had in the writing world. If you haven't been published yet, it might be a bit of praise from someone in a writing group. If you've finished a number of stories, essays, or poems, consider that as a success. Not every writer can claim to have a file of finished work. Some start a story but never finish. Some write an essay but never edit. 

F. Think about the reason you decided to try writing. What drove you? Renew that passion.

G. Realize that self-doubt is destructive. Aim for a more constructive outlook. It won't happen overnight, but work at it a little at a time. 

H. Don't use self-doubt as an excuse. 

Make getting rid of self-doubt a writing goal for this year. Chip away towards that goal a little at a time. 

Write about Birthdays

 

No, it's not my birthday, but it is someone's birthday today. A lot of 'someones' actually. So what does writing have to do with birthdays? 

The other day, our quote was from Isabel Allende. She said, "Write what should not be forgotten." Birthdays should be commemorated in writing as well as celebrating with cake and candles, presents and good wishes. No matter how old we are, we remember birthday celebrations and school parties. Some have five stars, and a few make it to only one star for one reason or another.

Mothers and fathers remember 'birth' days. Our parents don't forget the day we were born. There are often funny stories connected or ones of fear if something was not quite right with the birth. Most birth days are happy ones. If you've never written about the day each of your children were born, do it soon. It would be a gift for your them no matter how old they are now. 

Do you have a memory of a special party your parents hosted for you in your growing up years? Write about it. How old were you? Where was it held? Who were the guests? Did you receive a special present? Does one birthday stand out among all the others? 

I can count two birthdays that were very special for me. My twelfth and sixteenth were ones I remember with great fondness. When I was about to turn twelve, the mother of another girl in my class called my mother. Carol and I had birthdays about the same time in May. Her mother suggested a birthday luncheon for the two of us at their house. We had an hour and fifteen minutes for lunch, so there was time. The mothers each made part of the lunch, and the girls in our class were all invited. But the very special part of that day was that our teacher was also invited. Mr. Biddinger was the first male teacher in our grade school, a recent WWII veteran, and adored by every person in our class. He came to our birthday luncheon party and brought a corsage made of pink carnations for each of us. I wouldn't have cared if it had been made of dandelions, for the fact that came from a teacher I loved was the best part. 

When I was a bout to turn sixteen, my mother had a baby, my third brother. She was in the hospital for over a week, which was common at the time, and I was in charge of cooking and more at home. My best friend, Kay, had asked me to come over to her house for an overnight. I told my dad I wouldn't go, would wait until another time. He insisted that I go, that he and the two brothers at home would be fine. He drove me to Kay's house on that Friday night. It turned out to be a Sweet Sixteen Surprise party for me. All my friends from school were there. I was overwhelmed and thrilled. It was the custom at that time for each girl to contribute money to purchase the birthday person a cashmere sweater. Short sleeves, jewel neck, worn with a strand of pearls--a staple in that era (50s). Two special birthdays that I have never forgotten. 

What if you never had a birthday party? That's sad, but it's also worth writing about. It's a part of your personal history. Some families go all out to celebrate birthdays, while others don't make a lot out of birthdays. 

Maybe you have planned a special birthday party for someone else. Why not write about that and add it to your Family Stories book? Perhaps you attended a specail party that is worth writing about. 

Birthday gifts can be expensive, homemade, or a small gift that cost very little. It's not the gift that is important, but the giver and the occasion. There are stories to be written about gifts received. 

Birthdays are worth writing about, from the day of your birth to the age you are now. Milestone birthdays can be memorable, too. Turning 21, or 50, or 80, or 100! 

Determination--a Quality of Good Writers

 

Many of you are familiar with my two keywords for writers--patience and perseverance. If I wanted to choose a third word, I believe it would be determination. Our photo quote today illustrates that word quite well.

There are so many facets to the life of a writer. Being determined is one of them, also quite important. If you're going to be a writer who gets published you can't be wishy-washy about any phase of your writing world. 

A passionate writer will be a determined writer. How do you become a writer with those qualities? It's not something another writer can share with you. It's not something blogs like mine can hand over to you, although they can be an inspiration. It's nothing you can find in a local bookstore. 

Instead, it must come from within. If your desire to write for publication is strong enough, you will become determined. Get knocked down in the form of a rejection or a rough critique of your work, and you'll have to rely on your determination to succeed to keep going. You'll need to face the reality that writers have to deal with rejection and critiques that sometimes hurt. Once you do that, you can move on.

It is suggested that writers set some goals in their writing life. Creating a goal and achieving it can be two separate situations. If you want to reach your goals, you'll need to be determined. In addition, you will need some of that patience and perseverance. 

How determined you are depends on how much you want to become a successful writer. How much passion for the craft you have.We all know it doesn't occur quickly, nor does it happen easily. It's hard work that requires dedication and determination on a regular basis. Some writers have both for a while, then get discouraged and slow down, sometimes to a full stop. 

I noticed as I wrote this post that there are many D words included in this discussion. Look at the list: determination depends, dedication, discouraged, desire, deal

Be like the turtle in our photo today. Don't let anything stop you. Be a determined writer!

Write to Preserve Memories

 

Well-known author, Isabel Allende, says 'Write what should not be forgotten.' Six words that give sound advice. 

How many times have you seen something or been somewhere that especially impressed you and thought 'I need to write about this.' and then never followed up later? It's a common mistake many writers make. Thinking about writing and actually doing it can be two different things. 

Have you ever been a witness to a conversation that made you stop and listen? Eavesdropping? It's not such a bad thing when writers do it. It's justifiable. (Picture me winking here!) That conversation might be something you can use in a story you're writing. You need to jot it down somewhere in a hurry. We think we'll remember, but when we try later, we may only retrieve bits and pieces. 

We also need to write those family stories that should not be forgotten. We should preserve them for future generations of our family. It's a known fact that most very young people are not interested in family history or lore, but as they get older, their interest increases. Sometimes, they wait until the older members are gone, and it's too late to ask questions. If those stories and history have been written, these people have a place to learn more about their family. 

Years ago, baby books were quite popular. I'm not sure if mothers today use them or not. When my children were infants, I recorded many 'firsts' in each one's baby book. Also birthday parties and who attended. Or a first trip and how it went. The first tooth that appeared, illnesses, and more. I have the baby book my mother had for me. Reading it as an adult was such a pleasure, and it gave me a good idea of what my mother was like as a young woman of 21. It also showed me how much I was loved by my parents and extended family. Baby Books can also be a medical history if the parents add the illnesses the child has had.

In the same manner, wedding remembrance books are helpful. My daughter-in-law had a wedding planner book made for me. I still have it. My son and his wife had their wedding videoed, back in 1992. When their two little girls were very young, one of the favorite activities was to watch Mommy and Daddy's wedding video. They were gaining family history. I don't know if their mother or father wrote about the wedding, but I did. 

There are so many milestones that we can and should write about throughout our life. It gives a two-fold benefit. We can relive the occasion and also preserve it for future generations. 

It's human nature for us to think about writing those things that should not be forgotten but somehow never get around to doing it. Our intentions are good, but life gets in the way. The longer the time after the event, the less inspired we are to write about it. 

It's not only writers who should write about those things that should not be forgotten. All of us can do this. Do it and your family will be appreciative, more so as time goes on. 

Does Spending Money Matter to a Writer?

 

There is a great deal more to writing than putting words together in a way that makes editors want to publishe your creative offerings. One that matters a great deal to writers is money. Money coming in and money going out. 

Should you submit to no-pay publications? Like a coin, there are two sides to this question. Some writers never submit work to a non-paying publication. They are adamant about feeling that they should be paid for their work, not give it away. If you are on this side, you do limit the markets for your stories, essays, and poems. The opposite side of the coin is to submit to markets that do not pay. If you do, you are not going to be able to exist on your writing income. But, you are also widening your market possibilities, and being published is worth a great deal when you send a cover letter to another publication. You can list the places where you were published, but you need not say that you didn't get paid. 

Should you pay a reading fee when you submit your work? This is another question that has opposite sides. Many writers feel they should not ever have to pay someone to read their work. Sure, it might only be $3 or $4, but over a year's time, it adds up. I recently watched a presentation by a woman who has published many times in literary journals. She stated that she never submits to a publication that charges a reading fee. She suggested that you pay attention to the percentage of submissions the publication actually accepts. When it is 5% or less, you're pretty much throwing your money away. There are also writers who are so eager to be published that they will readily pay a reading fee. 

What about paying fees to enter a contest? A large number of contests charge a fee to submit. They range from a very small amount to large ones. Some writers wonder why in the world they should pay someone to enter their contest. Others have no qualms about doing so. One thing to consider is that a good deal of contest prize money is acquiredn through the contest entry fees. The bigger the fee, the bigger the prizes. That is usually the case. There are, of course, many contests that charge no entry fee, but they usually only award very small amounts for prizes. Are you willing to pay $25 to compete against thousands of other writers? If you don't enter, you can't win. Right? But perhaps it is wise to put a limit on the amount you spend on contest entry fees.

What about paying a Vanity Publisher? A Vanity Publisher will publish your book, but you will pay all the costs involved. There are different packages that an author can choose from. It's obvious that authors would like to have a publishing house pick up their submitted manuscript, publish it, and pay the author. When traditional publishing doesn't work out, or an author is not able to go the self-publishing route (which also can take the author's money), then the next option is Vanity Publishing.  You might have the satisfaction of having a book published, but you won't be rolling in bushels of money. Instead, you'll be putting out quite a bit and would need to have a great marketing plan to get that money back in sales. Oh wait, that Vanity Publisher has a marketing package they will be happy to sell you. 

How much should you spend annually on reading fees and entry fees? That is entirely up to the writer. If you're willing to pay reading fees and contest entry fees, be sure to keep a running tab on what you've paid. Total it each year, then compare it to the money earned from publications. Was it worth paying those fees? Or did you end up in the red? The answer will be different for each indivdual. 

Yes, there's a lot more involved in this writing world than the actual business of writing. Every writer will have to give thought to the questions posed here today. Once again, it's up to you.

Writing Travel Essays

 

Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia

Today's post will focus on writing about your travels. Travel articles and essays are quite popular with readers. Many who don't have the option of traveling for one reason or another can do so vicariously by reading them.

Writers who travel should be sure to have a small notebook with them to jot down thoughts about the places they visit. Taking photos is a good idea, as they will help you remember what you saw and learned. 

Travel articles and travel essays are two different things. The first is full of facts and figures while the second addresses the more human elements. The travel essay writer will not only highlight a B&B but also the people who were the hosts. The travel essay writer brings feelings into the places they have visited. Facts and figures might also be part of it, as well. 

The travel article is geared to information whereas the travel essay is meant to entertain the reader. Can you mix the two? I think so. It's always the writer's choice, but he/she must consider the market the article is meant for. 

Dave's Travel Corner is a website that features travel essays. I've had a few of mine accepted there. Go to https://www.davestravelcorner.com/ to check it out. Use a search engine to find places to submit travel essays. You can also use keywords like 'writing travel essays' to find several articles on this form of writing. 

The photo today was taken at Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia quite some years ago when Ken and I did a driving trip though Nova Scotia. We had been advised by several people to be sure to visit Peggy's Cove while there. It was a very emotional experience, so I felt compelled to write about it. That essay is posted below. Try your hand at the personal travel essay. Keep a notebook with you and write the first draft as soon as possible after your visit, while it is fresh in your mind. 

A Morning in Peggy’s Cove

By Nancy Julien Kopp

Early morning traffic in Halifax, Nova Scotia is not difficult to maneuver with two of us in charge. My husband, Ken, drives, and I read maps and signs, acting as navigator on this sunless June day. We make our way easily through the Canadian coastal city and travel beyond to the road that will take us to Peggy’s Cove.

I’m eager to see this tiny fishing village which friends have recommended, and I check the map once again to gauge the distance.

“You must be sure to go to Peggy’s Cove,” said one friend upon hearing we were planning a driving trip to explore Nova Scotia, one of Canada’s easternmost provinces.

“Don’t miss Peggy’s Cove,” said another.

Thus, the village is high on our list of places to visit.

Road-signs mark the route clearly, and soon we turn off the main highway onto a secondary road. We wend our way along the curving stretch of road. I search the sky for an absent sun and silently wish it would make an appearance. More clouds roll in, some dark and seeming to threaten rain. It is the first such weather we experience on our trip. Prior to today, the sun has spread its gentle warmth and renders our daily excursions most pleasant.

I wonder, as the car makes each twist and turn in the road, what can be so beguiling about Peggy’s Cove. I know that it is the site of the 1998 Swissair jet crash, but surely more than that steals into the hearts of those who visit.

One more bend in the road, and the fishing village appears. It is small and picturesque, the few homes and fewer businesses situated on hills near the water. The town seems to stand guard as the ocean slaps against flat-topped boulders that line its edge. Sea terns perch serenely on rooftops and dot the hillsides, while fishing boats line the harbor area.

We come to the end of the road, and Ken parks the car. We emerge into air that carries a chill and a fine mist, as well as that special scent of the sea. There is no doubt in my mind that I will traverse those huge boulders to the lighthouse standing near the water’s edge, but I wish I had worn sturdier shoes.

I pick my way carefully across the boulders to the whitewashed lighthouse, which sports a cheerful red top. A few other tourists step cautiously across the great boulders. Some sit silently on the rocks gazing out to sea, their thoughts known only to themselves. What a wonderful place to ruminate, I muse, as I study those who are seated, their thoughts sealed within themselves.

I reach the lighthouse and peer inside the open door. To my amazement, I find that it is now a government post office. I exchange greetings with the clerk, purchase post cards and Canadian stamps, then retrace my path a short distance. I can see the ocean waters on my left and on my right, even though I am facing the village. As though called, I turn and look out to what is now a calm and friendly-appearing sea. The mist has ceased, and the sky brightens a little.

I watch this piece of nature that sustains the village inhabitants who fish its waters daily. The sea calls to them like a siren of mythical tales. She promises a bountiful harvest, entices them into deep waters, and produces more fish than can be counted at times. But in the wink of an eye, she can become menacing and dangerous. Churning waves tossed upon the flat-topped boulders, angry and vengeful, have swept more than one person to a watery grave. Signs posted here warn of such a possibility. Hard to believe, as I gaze at the now peaceful scene before me.

Only the day before, I noted the detailed story of the tragic Swissair crash while reading a Halifax newspaper. The widow of the pilot, who guided the doomed flight, was featured in the article. She and her children have visited Peggy’s Cove more than once since the accident occurred. On their first visit, men from the village transported the Swiss woman and her two small children out to sea where the plane crashed. The family scattered flowers across the water, and the small son said he is glad his daddy is in such a beautiful place. The Sea, I think, must have smiled to hear his words.

I say a silent prayer for all who perished at Peggy’s Cove, then slowly make my way back across the unique path of boulders, passing close to an iron anchor imbedded in the rocks. The air feels warmer as the clouds part, and a welcome sun emerges.

I meet Ken, and he holds out a hand and helps me travel the remainder of this precarious pathway. We meander slowly down the narrow road together to visit a small gift shop, take pictures of the fishing boats, and investigate a magnificent sculpture carved in stone which depicts the life of the fishermen who live here.

Finally, we visit the memorial site of the Swissair victims commenting softly to one another, as we stand shoulder to shoulder, reading the plaque. A few other tourists join us, but no conversations take place. Instead, each one focuses on a personal meaning of the site which tragedy visited. The entire village resembles a place of meditation rather than the usual tourist chatter and banter.

Walking back to our car, I inhale the scent of the sea once more, and I know that this small village and the sea around it are now etched in my memory and on my heart forever, yet another of life’s blessings. Quaint, picturesque, charming, even somber--it is all of these and more. I am now another who will urge travelers to be sure to see Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia. 

(c)

Boulders at Peggy's Cove

Writers and Predictions

 

Today is Groundhog Day when Puxatawney Phil emerges from hibernation to predict whether we will have an early spring or six more weeks of winter. Out in Pennsylavania, they make a big to-do over this event, and the rest of the country watches to see Phil's prediction. This morning, he told us there would be six more weeks of winter. That brings us to mid-March, which usually is quite right. Still, no one knows about predictions. Aren't they really a guess? Look how many have predicted the end of the world on a certain date, but life goes on. There are political predictions. Some are right, others off by a mile. 

How about the prediction about your writing journey. Can someone predict how long it will be before you have a submission accepted? Can anyone predict when a writer will have an awakening moment and suddenly feel like thet 'get' this writing game? Does anyone know when their own big breakthrough will happen? Of course not.

Predictions for writers are most likely a waste of time. What is not a waste of time is how the writer works toward publication. Does he/she do writing exercises? Or think they are worthless? I am a firm believer in exercising your writing muscles with a warm-up exercise like a photo prompt or a freewrite of a word picked randomly. 

Do the writers who wants to be publised study markets? They should make themselves familiar with the publications that their kind of writing is geared to. Sending something that has no bearing on the publication theme is foolish. Take time to learn about the publications where you should submit. 

Is the writer one who reads about their craft on a regular basis? Or attends conventions and workshops to round out their writing education? Both of these things will be of help to the writer through learning and also to get some inspiration.

We can't predict when, or even if, publication will happen. All a writer can do is work towards that goal each and every day. If you get published, it's a wonderful moment, but then it's time to continue working towards the next publication and the next. 

Meanwhile, prepare for that six weeks of winter left to us that the groundhog predicted. 

Write in February

It's a brand new month, the shortest one of the year but chock full of things to celebrate, and perhaps incorporate into your writing. I turned the page on my wall calendar moments ago, something that always gives me pleasure. It's like starting to read a new book or beginning a new portion of your life. When February arrives, I feel like winter is not going to last too much longer. Wishful thinking on my part, but the worst of winter days seem to be behind us. 

When I was in school in Illinois, we had the day off for Lincoln and Washington's birthdays, but one or the other on alternate years. We learned about each of these noted president's in our classroom each year. Lincoln was especially highlighted, as he lived much of his life in Illinois. Now, of course, we celebrate both these presidents and others on President's Day, the third Monday of February.

Groundhog Day is tomorrow, February 2nd, and all eyes will be on the groundhog in Pennsylvania who is known to foretell how much longer we must wait for spring. The old movie, Groundhog Day, will be replayed on some tv stations, as well. 

How could we possibly forget that February 14th is Valentine's Day? Valentine cards were put on display immediately after Christmas as well as commercials for gifts to buy. Flowers and candy seem to be the traditional gifts, and sentimental cards. In grade school, we always had a party in the classroom with red punch, sugar cookies with either frosting or sugar in the appropriate color. And we exchanged valentines with our classmates. The first story I had published in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book was about a valentine box my dad made for me when I was in second grade. "Love in a Box" has been republished many times, even in other languages. 

This is also Black History month which affords writers plenty to write about. There are many people whose lives would be most interesting to readers. Also the Civil Rights movement and the history of black people in our country. A great many angles to use when writing what this month commemorates. The tv series of many years ago, called 'Roots,' moved many black people to delve into their family history, and other Americans began to do so, as well. Family Stories became popular and still are.

Perhaps you have family birthdays this month, and you can write about the person who is celebrating, or write a family story highlighting that person. My son and oldest granddaughter both have birthdays this month. 

All too often writers say they have nothing to write about. February offers a great many choices. Start pondering on the ones I've noted above