Hard Work and the Pleasure it Brings

We've been working a lot around the house lately. And it gives me pleasure to see the results.

We now have freshly painted metal chairs to sit on the porch in.


We now have clean siding on the front of the house. And, we have taken off the shutters and cleaned out all the wasp nests.

We had to work hard, though, to enjoy the pleasures it brought us.

It's the same with writing. You can't enjoy the pleasures of getting published, seeing your name in print or winning contests unless you work at it and don't quit.

I have thought about quitting before. I've said "Why do I do this?" "I don't have a chance in getting published." "I'm not good enough."

And, you know, I may not be good enough yet. That's why I must keep writing and some day I will be good enough. Wonderful publishing deals don't come overnight.

They come with the little steps and pleasures you accomplish along the way. Such as winning 2nd place on the Writer's Wall at a writing conference or honorable mention for your picture book in a writing contest. Little things help keep you going. Such as an unexpected 2nd place in a local poetry contest for amateur poets. . .



And finally seeing your name in print with a story you wrote two years ago. . .



So, keep writing and some day our hard work and little steps toward publication will pay off.

My favorite quote. . . "A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit."

Don't quit and you and I will enjoy the pleasures that our hard work brings us.

And the Winner Is . . .

I want to thank everyone who commented on my post for a chance to win a copy of Christmas Traditions.



I also want to thank all of you for your congratulations. It really means a lot to me!

Congratulations to Becky of Twisted Fencepost!


I hope you enjoy the book, Becky. My email address is on my profile page. Email me your address and I will mail it out to you.

Thanks again to everyone.

Comment for a chance to win!

Look what I received a few days ago.
This is my contributor's copy they sent me in the mail.

Here is my story on page 36! It's nice to see your name in print.

I haven't read all the stories yet, but I have read a lot of them. They are very good and they will give you ideas to start your own Christmas traditions in your family.

The book is available for purchase on Amazon.

I'm going to give away a copy of the book to one of my commenters. All you have to do is comment on this post by midnight Sunday and your name will be put in the drawing for a copy of the book. If you follow this blog, your name will be put in twice. But, you have to comment for a chance to win.

Good Luck!

Two Lane Livin'

If you have not yet noticed, I've got a link to a regional monthly magazine called Two Lane Livin' on the side bar. It is available in print and online.

The magazine, which just celebrated their 2nd anniversary, has a 16 county coverage region.
It is a free magazine if picked up at one of their 500 distribution locations, or can be subscribed to for $29 a year. They currently print and distribute 15,000 copies.

Starting with the October issue I will have a children's column in the magazine! It will be called Fun Facts for Kids.

I am very excited! It does not pay, but I feel this will be a great experience for me and help me in my pursuit of becoming a published children's writer. I will have to come up with ideas and meet a deadline every month.

Wish me luck!

Go to the site and look around, it is a very good local magazine.

For those of you who live in WV, go here for the distribution locations throughout the state.

Oh, No!

Reading Rainbow will end it's 26 year run, due to lack of funds!

It was the 3rd longest running children's program in PBS history, behind Sesame Street and Mr. Roger's Neighborhood.

I loved Reading Rainbow! Just like any children's writer, I dreamed of some day having LeVar Burton read a book written by me.

Go here to see a list of books featured on Reading Rainbow.

The recession has hit home.

John Grant, head of content at the "Rainbow's" home TV station told the National Public Radio, Inc. "The series resonates with so many people." The show's being canceled, he says, because no one will put up the several hundred thousand dollars needed to renew the show's broadcast rights.

Oprah, where are you when we need you? In the name of your Book Club you could donate the money needed to keep Reading Rainbow on the air.

It was a wonderful show that will be missed by children and parents alike.

Good bye, Reading Rainbow.