Just One More Chapter. Well, 2018 is almost upon us. I was reading through my year-long journal and was amazed at how much I had written. Lots of world events plus memorable personal ones with the family. I just started a new journal. I think I still have several blank ones that my friends have gifted me with every Christmas and birthday. They know I love to write, even if it’s about leaves fluttering down from my trees during fall and the magical night of snow we had a few days ago. Some of these writings have turned into poems.

To keep me inspired, my granddaughter made this beautiful sign on wood inscribed with the words, “Just One More Chapter.” I shall hang it up in my office to remind me that we write one sentence, one paragraph, one chapter at a time to get the story done.  Good wishes for 2018! Read, read, read. Write, write, write.

Wow! Where did the year go? Time to take stock and prepare for 2018! Do you have any resolutions related to writing? I do. Keep writing, keep researching, submit to publishers, attend conferences, writing and poetry workshops, and never give up!

An end-of-the year bit of good news. Months ago, I entered a writing contest for a magazine. I had forgotten all about it until I got an email informing me that although I had not won, the magazine still wants to publish my short story in the near future. And they want me to send more. I was excited as I went back to my spreadsheet to see when I had submitted. The story I submitted was in my “old” file and had been rejected a few times so I had filed it away. I resurrected it and now it’s going to be published. Like I said: Never give up!

I already have a schedule: some school visits coming up, a poetry workshop to attend, and a writers’ conference to where I will do a presentation. Plus there’s the Texas Library Association Conference in Dallas during April plus the San Antonio Book Festival in the spring. Already things are happening. Isn’t that great?

I know I’ve mentioned the Book Riot link before on books on writing. Here it is again in case you want to read some of these for the upcoming year.

Have a great Holiday Season and keep on writing and submitting!!

Hi There!

I let my characters do the talking, simple as that. – Terry McMillan