My Favorite Links and Search Words

The end of another year has arrived. Seems like time goes by too fast. I hear people say all the time, where has this year gone? I think the same thing. Sometimes I wonder if I made the most of the last year, but I have no intention of reflecting back long to see if I did. My intention at the beginning of 2009 was to try. I 'll never know if I succeeded, but my New Year's resolution this year is to try very hard to concentrate on my writing in 2010 and see where that resolution leads me. With that in mind, I'm going to start blogging once a week on Tuesday instead of twice. The book I'm working on is about two thirds done. While working on the story I get caught up in the characters and lose all track of time. Perhaps, that's why I can say I don't know where the last year went. I consider myself very lucky. I'm doing something that makes me content and keeps me busy. What more can I ask for any year in the future?

Did Santa bring me my book Computer for Dummies? No, but I found an answer to my problem on my own. Well, I had some expert advice from my brother who knows computers. Happily, I find I can buy a small device that will play my new printshop photo software. That means I won't have to send the software back and keep struggling with my old software. It means I don't have to unhook everything attached to my computer and take it to the shop in the middle of winter. My problem is solved. Would I have spent so much on the software if I had known that it downloads from a DVD which I don't have the means of playing? No, because I wouldn't have wanted the expense of the player. Perhaps, there is a reason for everything that happens. No matter the cost, I am looking forward to trying my hand at new and improved pictures to use as book covers. However with that problem solved, knowing that the coming year is only a few days away has me reflecting on more important things. I was recently absorbed with links and search words while trying to get the word online about my books. However, I know my most important links and search words have nothing to do with the computer.

I retired a year ago from my CNA job which I really liked. I go back to the nursing home once a month to visit. The handful of women residents that I visit are always glad to see me. A couple weeks ago, I stopped to talk to one of the CNAs. While I was in the break room I noticed a envelope on the bulletin board with my name on it. Always in a hurry in the winter to get the errands done and get home before the wind blows the roads or my driveway shut, I laid the envelope in the car seat until later. When I finally looked to see what I had, I found a Christmas card from one of the residents I hadn't visited in the last year. His family had enclosed a Linda Eder music CD as thanks for my taking good care of him. My first thought was didn't they know I've been retired for a year? The resident certainly must have missed me or maybe not. I called the administrator to find out if I should bring the CD back in. How could I deserve a gift for a year I hadn't worked?

It turns out there wasn't a mistake. When the man's family asked which of the staff did he want to have a CD, my name went on the list. I made it a point to go see that resident and thank him. The pleased smile he gave me when I told him I appreciated his thoughtfulness and that I really loved Linda Eder's music told me a mistake hadn't been made. Though he has made me a fan of Linda Eder's singing, the gift he gave me had far less to do with that CD and more to do with how he appreciated my company and help in 2008. So often while nursing home staff are caught up in the hard work they do, they don't take the time to contemplate the little things they do for the residents that might not have been a part of their training. Things that mean so much to them and make them remember the staff like a pat on the hand, staying long enough to listen and really hear, and giving a hug when needed. The staff might not get a CD, but they certainly will make the residents day.

The search words family and friends are very important words to me. They are the blessings I count this time of year, because I have them in my life. The last day of the year is the birthday of one of my nephews. He a second grader, full of enthusiasm for life, smart beyond belief and a joy to be around. I look forward to watching him grow and seeing each new year through his eyes.

That next book I talked about. It's the second in my Nurse Hal Among The Amish series. For those of you who read the first one watch for the release sometime in the next year. The tentative title is Nurse Hal's Rainbow. Now I wish you a safe and fun New Year's Eve and good luck and health in 2010 from

Christmas Wishes

At this point in my life, I didn't think I needed or wanted much for Christmas except maybe good traveling weather so we can go to a family gathering on Friday. According to the weather men a good day on Christmas is too much to ask for this year.

So my next all I want for Christmas wish is to be able to download a new printshop photo shop I bought myself for Christmas. Since it looks like I'm going to be whiling away the day at home, I had hopes that I'd have the program installed instantly on Monday when it came. By now, I'd be learning how to use the program to improve my photos.

My old software is ten years old. It is considered antique and that must be true. It doesn't do the job on my pictures it once did which has made using it a struggle over the last year while I've inserted pictures that weren't very good quality in blogs, books and as a book cover.

So I found a good offer on the internet for software. This brand name program sounds great if I can figure out how to use it. The software came complete with a book of instructions for every imaginable problem. I can now brighten up the dark spots and darken up the light spots. If I don't like the background, I can erase it and put in something else. That's just for starters.

I've been studying a picture I took a few years ago of a spring rainbow arched between two apple trees. The yard is dark from cloud cover while the hay field, gravel road and brown fields are glowing in the sunlight. I can make out the faint rainbow in the dark stormy sky, but that's not good enough. I want the rainbow's colors to be more vibrant. So that's going to be my first try at improving a picture if I ever get the chance.

But that's a big IF. This software doesn't come with a plug and play system as all my other programs did. I've spent hours going over instructions from the company, trying to figure out how to get the software downloaded and activated. Part of the time, the website tells me my Adobe Reader isn't working. I get a blank screen for the video. So I sent a help email to the company's support. That got me all the instructions I already tried. Another email and the problem is found. The new software comes on a DVD. I can't install it with my computer unless I figure out how. So I'll keep trying to solve the problem. I could just send the software back but I really want that program and have 30 days to decide.

My next Christmas wish (And I know for someone who says they don't want or need a whole lot my list keeps growing) - I need Santa to give me for Christmas the book "Computers For Dummies."

Christmas Wishes

At this point in my life, I didn't think I needed or wanted much for Christmas except maybe good traveling weather so we can go to a family gathering on Friday. According to the weather men a good day on Christmas is too much to ask for this year.

So my next all I want for Christmas wish is to be able to download a new printshop photo shop I bought myself for Christmas. Since it looks like I'm going to be whiling away the day at home, I had hopes that I'd have the program installed instantly on Monday when it came. By now, I'd be learning how to use the program to improve my photos.

My old software is ten years old. It is considered antique and that must be true. It doesn't do the job on my pictures it once did which has made using it a struggle over the last year while I've inserted pictures that weren't very good quality in blogs, books and as a book cover.

So I found a good offer on the internet for software. This brand name program sounds great if I can figure out how to use it. The software came complete with a book of instructions for every imaginable problem. I can now brighten up the dark spots and darken up the light spots. If I don't like the background, I can erase it and put in something else. That's just for starters.

I've been studying a picture I took a few years ago of a spring rainbow arched between two apple trees. The yard is dark from cloud cover while the hay field, gravel road and brown fields are glowing in the sunlight. I can make out the faint rainbow in the dark stormy sky, but that's not good enough. I want the rainbow's colors to be more vibrant. So that's going to be my first try at improving a picture if I ever get the chance.

But that's a big IF. This software doesn't come with a plug and play system as all my other programs did. I've spent hours going over instructions from the company, trying to figure out how to get the software downloaded and activated. Part of the time, the website tells me my Adobe Reader isn't working. I get a blank screen for the video. So I sent a help email to the company's support. That got me all the instructions I already tried. Another email and the problem is found. The new software comes on a DVD. I can't install it with my computer unless I figure out how. So I'll keep trying to solve the problem. I could just send the software back but I really want that program and have 30 days to decide.

My next Christmas wish (And I know for someone who says they don't want or need a whole lot my list keeps growing) - I need Santa to give me for Christmas the book "Computers For Dummies."

Excerpt from Christmas Traditions- An Amish Love Story

Christmas Traditions ISBN 0982459513
"If it wasn't for these ornaments thou gives me each year, the tree wouldn't look near as pretty," said Luke, bending with his hands on his knees to inspect the presents. "Which one of these presents is the ornament thou brought this year, ain't?"
"It's a small package." To look among the pile of presents, she leaned over as far as she could without dragging the popcorn strings on the floor. "I don't see it under the tree. Either your father left it in the sleigh, or he dropped it in the snow between here and the barn," Margaret dared to say in a scoffing tease, giving Levi a sideways glance.
"That's the thanks I get for helping thee, is it?" Levi countered back.
He actually smiled at Luke and her. What a switch! Not that Margaret intended to read anything hopeful into his actions. As long as she'd known Levi, she knew he could go from hot to cold in a second. Oh how she wished no matter how slight it might be that Levi would have a change of heart for the better that would last.
She could tell Luke appreciated his father's placid mood at that moment, too. "It's fine. I'll go look in the sleigh. Daed, would thou please put the popcorn strings on the tree for me? Thou are taller. Thou can hang them higher than I can so the strings are evenly spaced. We need to get that done quick. Poor Aunt Margaret's arms must be tired. She won't want to stand like that all night." The boy rushed to the kitchen door. He twisted around. "Just don't start on the ornaments until I get back. I want to be here for that."
"Never would have thought to wait for you if you hadn't said so," said Margaret with a teasing laugh.
Luke grabbed his coat from the nail by the kitchen door and put it on. He pulled his gray, woolen mittens out of a pocket and yanked them over his hands. He had his hand on the door knob when his grandfather called after him.
"Take the lantern with thee, Luke. It'll be too dark in the barn to see the sleigh let along a small package in it. While thou is out there check on the cow again. Save me a trip."
"All right, Dawdi," agreed Luke. Lighting the lantern that hung on a nail next to the coats, he held it out in front of him as he went outside.
"You heard your son, Levi. Start draping these popcorn strings over the branches before my arms give out," Margaret dared to order.
"Daed, thou want to help her?" Levi looked at Jeremiah for a way out.
"Ach! I'm too old. I'll just watch the two of thee have the fun," Jeremiah quipped dryly, stroking his bushy beard.
Finding no way to decline, Levi sauntered across the room to stand beside Margaret. They looked at each other until she broke eye contact when he took an end that dangled from her arm. As his warm fingertips touched her wrist, Margaret's skin tingled. Her pulse sped up. She flinched and drew her arm back slightly. When she shrank away, his intense gaze flickered over her face before he twisted back to the tree and looped the string over the branches.
"Levi, the boy seems to be happy," Margaret ventured softly, hoping for a break in the chill of resistance she felt radiating from him at having to be so near her.
Lifting the popcorn string up high to drape it over the branches at the top of the tree, Levi answered, "I told thee he was. No need to spoil that. Not if thou cares for him as thee says."
Was it possible that Levi's voice soften? Or, did she just want to believe that. Was she hearing something that wasn't there?
"I just want to do what's right," Margaret maintained.
"For who? Luke or thee?" He searched her face as he took the next string from her arms.
Just for a moment, Levi's eyes seemed warmer somehow, but his words didn't sit well with Margaret. She glanced across the room at Jeremiah. His eyes closed, the old man's head relaxed against his rocker. His shallow breathing lead her to think that he'd dozed off.
Just the same, she kept her biting voice low to keep Levi's father from overhearing. "That's not fair. If I was thinking about me, I'd impose myself on you more than one time a year to see Luke."
Levi held the popcorn string in mid air, ready to lay it over a bough. He twisted toward her and retorted, "Strong willed as thee are, Margaret, peers to me if thou wanted to have done that, not much way I could have stopped thee. Always thought that lawyer man thou married had more to do with thou not protesting how often thee comes to see Luke than the shunning did."
"Don't blame this on my husband after all these years. You're the one who said that once a year was all I could come," insisted Margaret, feeling her efforts to defend herself futile, but she felt the need to try.
"I did say that," Levi agreed vehemently. "That should have been the last time I spoke to thee as long as thee are under the shunning. I had to kneel for confession before the bishops soon after talking to thee to keep from being shunned myself. I confessed to permitting thee to stay here this week in December. Thou could have gone before the bishops also if thee had the desire to lift thy shunning. That would have made things so much easier for both of us." He made a wide scallop of the string over the boughs and turned back to her for another string.
Margaret noticed he purposely didn't continue with what he had to be thinking. Lifting the shunning also included the fact that she would have to come back to live with the Plain people. That was the only way. Levi knew that wasn't an option for her because of her marriage
to Harry.
When he did finally break his silence it was to rehash their agreement. "If thou recalls, thee is the one who picked the week before Christmas to visit Luke. The day also happens to be Luke's birthday. Not just one, but two very important days in that little boy's life that I allowed thee to be here with him." Levi hadn't mince words. He stooped to drape the last string over some of the tree's lower branches.
"Luke needs a woman in his life, Levi," Margaret stated quietly to his broad, strong back.
Levi straightened and spun to face her. "Faith gave that right up when the boy was small. As far as Luke knows she died. We are going to keep it that way." His narrowed eyes froze her. "Thou didn't want the job either as I recall," he said curtly, wanting to make how he felt very clear.
"You never understood." Margaret lowered her gaze. Even if she could get the words out, it was way too late to defend her reasons for giving away Luke. She bit her lower lip to stop it from visibly quivering. She couldn't cry now. She'd appear weak. The only way to stand up to Levi Yoder was to remain cold and strong just like him. She'd learned that a long time ago. Never give that man the upper hand where Luke was concerned. She wanted the child in her life no matter how short a time she had with him. But she knew if she angered Levi beyond reason, the man was as good as his word. He'd never let her see her son again.
Levi glanced toward the kitchen. "Seems like it's taking my son too long to find that ornament. It's cold out there. I should go help him. Maybe something's happened with the cow." He started toward the kitchen.
Always the same pattern, Margaret thought, feeling let down because Levi had tried to put a damper on her pleasant evening. Levi speaks bluntly and runs away.

Chapter 5
Levi paused with a hand on the door facing and stared into the dark kitchen. He whirled around. With his head slanted to one side, he studied Margaret. "Tell me the truth for once. Why didn't thy husband come with thee this time?"
Margaret didn't know how much longer she could hold up under Levi's probing. She wished he'd just leave the subject of Harry alone. She gazed at the floor while she rubbed the prickly feeling away in her left arm caused from holding it out straight so long. She always felt as if Levi could read her mind. He certainly could tell if she chose to lie to him. In a barely audible voice, she broke the vow of silence she'd made to herself on the trip out from town. She blurted out, "Harry left me."
"Did he?" Surprise was in his voice. "The lawyer man did know the truth?" Again Levi's slanted eyes raked over her face as he questioned her, trying to read her mind before she answered him.
She hated that Levi kept pushing. If being truthful was what he wanted, she'd be truthful since he asked. Maybe he would ease up on the way he treated her if he knew the truth.
"Not until a few days ago," she admitted.
Levi pounced in front of her. He poked his finger under her chin and raised her head so she had to look at him. Gazing down at her, he asked incredulously, "Maggie, thou never told him before this?"
Out of words, Margaret shoved his hand away and lowered her head. She nodded no slowly, contemplating the one word she'd just heard that surprised her. In the midst of this heated discussion, Levi called her Maggie. The mention of that long ago term of endearment was a reminder of happy times in her youth. For many years now, Levi hadn't used the nickname when he spoke to her. She had always felt lucky if he managed to call her Margaret Goodman. But now that he was so worked up, he didn't seem to realize he'd called her by her nickname. Strange what it took to rattle this man. He remained cold and distant or angry when discussing his son with her but seemed on the edge of exploding when he talked about her husband.
Levi grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her as if that would dislodge her answer. "Why not?"
"Because I knew Harry finding out about you and me would hurt him. I feared he'd leave me," Margaret stated flatly, pulling away from his rough grip.
"Ach! Why tell him now then?" Levi said with a frustrated sigh. "If thou thought that, just leave the truth hidden. The fewer Englishers who know the better. Burn thy sister's devil book and let well enough alone."
Margaret's admission came painfully slow, because she knew it would only infuriate Levi further. "Because I promised Faith I'd give Luke the journal this year. If Luke was to know the truth now, I had to tell Harry first. Eventually, you know very well my husband would have found out somehow if I hadn't. To find out from someone else wasn't fair to him. It would have hurt Harry much more than my telling him."
"Is what's in that journal thy only reason for telling Harry Goodman?" Levi asked, searching her face as though he expected more.
She didn't understand. "What other reason would I have?"
Levi stared at her. His unwavering eyes filled with sadness. "Thou should have stayed home with thy husband this time. If thou had kept silent, his leaving thee would never have to be. Now what are thou going to do when thee leaves here?" Levi's voice held a note of concern. In his eyes was tenderness. His face soften while he waited for her reply.
Or was she imagining his feelings toward her changed. She'd wished for that to happen for so long. Her resolve to be cold and defiant melted away. She wasn't used to this type of emotion from him. He hadn't displayed a hint of gentle feelings toward her in years.
Margaret sighed deeply. "Perhaps you're right about me not giving Luke the journal. He's well and happy with the way he believes things to be. After all these years, surely Faith is gone for good. What difference could it make to her now if I didn't carry out her wishes if that's the way you want it. I'll give what you say some thought in the next few days. As for me, you needn't worry. Harry gave me the house so I have a place to live. He's using the time I'm here to move his things out." She sighed again. "The worst part will be trying to explain to the busy bodies in town why my husband left me. They'll notice sooner or later."
"Don't try to explain. Tell them it's none of their business. Or better yet just ignore them," Levi said, his tone soft and husky.
"If only that would work," she said, doubtfully.
Suddenly, Margaret felt so very weary from the weight of her world being turned upside down. One thing she was certain of, she could only blame herself for what had happened to her recently. Her sister, Faith, wasn't there to blame for her misfortune this time. She sagged closer to Levi. He placed his hands gently on top her shoulders. His gaze didn't budge from her face as he slid his hands until he touched her throat. With his thumbs, he caressed her neck.
Mesmerized by his gaze and touch, Margaret felt helpless to pull back even if she had wanted to. Her pulse pounded under his thumbs. Levi lowered his head close to hers. He tucked a finger under her chin to lift her head up. She held her breath, daring to hope that Levi intended to kiss her.
"Oh, Maggie, ----," he whispered.
At the sound of Luke's footsteps in the kitchen, Levi dropped his hands to his side. The boy watched his father glide away from Margaret. Luke paused in the doorway. Fearing tension between Levi and Margaret, the child hesitated in the door. He'd been raised with the belief that harsh words and raised voices were a forbidden sin. Margaret knew the only time heated moments occurred around Luke was when she visited. She saw the alarm on the child's face. She hated what Levi and she did to him. They continually tugged that little boy back and forth between them like a piece of pulled, molasses candy.
Luke looked from his father to his aunt and back. In one hand, he held a small, snow covered package. In the other, he grasped a black book bound with twine.
Margaret's breath caught.
Levi let out a low groan.
"The journal must have slid out from under the sleigh seat where I hid it," whispered Margaret out of the corner of her mouth to Levi. "He mustn't read it yet."
"Come on in and warm up, son. Cold out there tonight, ain't?" Levi invited, holding his hand out to encourage his son to enter the room.

Hunting for Search Words

I've written a book titled Christmas Traditions - An Amish Love Story ISBN 0982459513
The story is set around Christmas, but that shouldn't stop readers from buying the book any time of year. Having said that I can tell you this book will make an excellent Christmas gift and if purchased from me, I'll sign the book.

The book is about an Amish man and a once Amish woman. When forced to spend time together at Christmas, the couple make each other miserable while they try to carry out Amish and English traditions for a little boy they both love.

Here is a list of sites to check out my book or to buy it. Looks like Christmas Traditions isn't that hard to find if you know where to look. If anyone is interested in purchasing Christmas Traditions from the author so the book is signed you may go to my bookstore

www.booksbyfaybookstore.weebly.com

Ebay - the synopsis and physical description for the book is on my seller's site and reviews from buyers

Free classified ads websites

Www.freeclassifiedads/fayrisnerstore

Www.oodle.com/christmastraditions

Amazon sells my books so look up search words - amish fiction - an amish love story or put my name in the advanced search Fay Risner - Christmas Traditions - isbn 0982459513

Curious about what search words bring up my book for internet searchers to find, I typed in a few to see what I'd get and was surprised at what I found, including my books advertised in other countries.

Search - Iowa authors

That search didn't bring up any authors. Another self published Iowa author mentioned to me recently that Iowa should find a way to promote Iowa authors. That would especially be a help to self published authors. I've had buyers purchase my books because I am from this state and because some of my stories are set in Iowa. If there is a website or organization that does promote Iowa authors (without fees attached) as part of our state's creative resources, I'd like to know about it.

Google searches

Amish fiction didn't work. I don't understand that since Christmas Traditions is Amish fiction.

Search - Amish christmas love book

For this book amish christmas romance book didn't work. I think the reason is I used love story as the subtitle.

Page 1 www.amazon.com/Christmas Traditions
www.olx.com/christmas traditionsanamishlovestory-41502734

Search - Amish christmas love story

Page 2 www.oodle.com/view/Christmas Traditions
Page 4 books.google.com/books

Search - Fay Risner

Page 1 www.flipkart.com/...fayrisner
www.librarything.com/author/risnerfay
Page 2 reviews.ebay.com/christmastraditions-byFayRisner
Page 3 www.oodle.com/view/christmas...an...fayrisner
Page 7 www.kalahari.net/books/Christmas-Traditions/911/34687679.aspx
Page 8 tweetmeme.com/..../amazon.com-Christmas-Traditions-9780982459515-sylvia-fay-risner-books
Page9 www.classified.com/books-magazine-ad 1858361.htm
Page 10 www.scribblygumbooks.com.au/9780982459515.html-
Page 12 www.booktopia.com.au/christ.../pro970982459515.html
Page 15 www.campusbooks.com/authors/f/fay-risner.html
Page 16 www.bookrenter.com/products/details/9781438248899
Page 17 66.220.11.194/visit/viewwork.asp?authorID=87483&id=27698

Search - Booksbyfay (this is my login name)

Page 7 books.google.com/books/christmastraditions

Yahoo search engine

Search - Amish christmas love story

Page 1 www.oodle.com/view/christmastraditions
Page 3 www.amazon.com/tag/fictions/christmastraditions
Page 11 www.alibris.co.uk/search/books/author/risner-ChristmasTraditions
Page 13 www.booktour.com/author/fay_risner/christmastraditions

Search - Fay Risner

Page 1 search.barnesandnobles.com/ChristmasTraditions
Reviews.ebay.com/christmas-traditions-by-Fay-Risner
Page 2 www.weread.com/book/christmastraditions
www.authorden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?christmastraditionsid=27698
Page 3 www.oodle.com/view/christmas-traditions-an-amish-love-story-byfayrisner
www.classifiedad.com/books_magazines-ad1858361.htm
www.published.com/published/8207published.aspx
Page 6 www.flipkart.com'christmas-traditions (India)
Page 7 www.amazon.com.uk
Page 9 www.amazon.de/religion-spirituality/spie=utf88christmastraditions

Booksbyfay

Page 7 www.weread.com/book/....&container_type=booksread

Happy Hunting!

Writing Short Story Contest Entries

These winter days have not been good ones for most of the country. I watched the weather map as the blizzard headed from the west coast to Iowa. The shut in a box feeling hits me when I look out the windows and see only a white swirl. No trees, fences, fields and neighbors. Just howling wind and snow. I'm thankful for a working furnace and food while we've waited out the storm. I think of the millions out of work during the holidays who can not be so certain of comfortable surroundings and food during the winter. It reminds me that my parents always invited people that had no where else to go to dine with us on holidays.

This is the time of year that I work on short story contest entries to send out in the spring. Keeps my mind off the freezing temperatures outside. Entering writing contests are a good way to sharpen up my writing technique. I love the competition of the two writing contests I've entered for the last seven years. I am up to 34 awards now.

It all started when a friend from Arkansas gave us a subscription to my husband's home town newspaper for a year. After we read the paper, we always gave it to my mother-in-law. At first, she enjoyed discovering news about people she knew. As time went on, she lamented that she didn't know anyone in the paper. Not even in the obituary. My husband was 14 when they moved to Iowa so he remembered even fewer people than his parents did. So after seven or eight years we stopped subscribing.

Before we let the newspaper expire, I found an advertisement about two writing contests. One was the Arkansas Womens' Writers Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas with around 32 different contests with themes and word limits. I could enter around 28 contests for $10. The first three contest, I'd have to attend the conference to enter. Some of the contests are for citizens of Arkansas and high school students from that state.

The contests are short stories for different genre, book chapters, essays, poetry, songs and sometimes a play. Themes change from year to year, but a little bit of something for every writer. I enter from nine to a dozen each year. The contests have a theme and a word count are strictly adhered to in order to place. Deadline is the last of April. Rules come out in mid January on the website.

The other contest is the White River Writers Conference at Searcy, Arkansas, which has a summer deadline, with 13 contests. Each of the contests have a fee. Sometimes I enter at least three. This last summer, while trying to get my latest book ready to publish, I only had time for one entry, but I placed.

I always have the stories from the Little Rock Contests that didn't place. I can send ones that fit the criteria to the White River Contest and sometimes place. Different judges and maybe fewer entries.

There is money to go along the first three place awards and certificates and a certificate for the next three. Both contests put the contest winners for each contest on their website. Exposure for me. Also, I have a list of my awards on my website

http://www.booksbyfaybookstore.weebly.com

It has become a dream of mine to go some day to one or both writer's conferences. I could have a table of books at no cost during the two day event as long as I pay the conference fee and Holiday Inn room in Little Rock, Arkansas for Womens' Writers Conference for the two day event. The White River Writers Conference is for the day.

I like to start early, thinking about my subject for the entries. It's true at this point I don't know what the theme for each entry is, but I start now and work the stories over to fit the contest. I like to get an early start. This gives me time to go back over my stories enough times before deadline that I catch most of the mistakes.

Writing a short story with a beginning and end in a few pages takes practice. Making sure not to be one word over makes me cut and condense my stories making them better. It's a way to practice writing and sharpen the story. I know these contests have helped me when I compete against many other writers and place with some of my entries.

Short stories aren't easy to sell. Not much demand for the ones I write. So after years of saving the ones I'd entered in contests, I turned them all into three small books. Not only do I sell them, but I can use them in give aways when I'm doing a presentation about my other books. Gives one person a chance to see how I write. Maybe later I might make a book sale from the give away.

My short story books can be found on my bookstore website or on Amazon.
Wild West Tales ISBN 1438257430
A Teapot, Ghosts, Bats & More ISBN 1438233698
Butterfly And Angel Wings ISBN 1438232713

Kirkwood's Writers Workshop October 2002

The Keystone Nursing Care Center board paid for a Writer's Workshop for me, because I won an essay and a photography contest in 2002. A packet of information came in the mail about Kirkwood's Writer's Workshop in Cedar Rapids. I chose the classes I wanted for the five days in October. Later on, I received a schedule of classes and instructions about what to bring for each class. My younger brother had taught computer courses in that building for several years and still does. At the time, I wished I knew which classroom was his. I wanted to leave a note that said John's sister Fay has been here.

I walked in and introduced myself to get checked off the list. The woman in charge of the workshop was standing nearby. She said she wanted to meet me. She couldn't believe that a nursing home would pay the fee for me to attend the workshop. She wasn't the only one. I kept thinking I was dreaming and would wake up before the workshop started. I was amazed at how many people in this area were aspiring authors. Attendance for the workshop was good.

Most of the students left during lunch break. Not me. I brought lunch with me. I wasn't leaving and risk that I wouldn't make it back for the first afternoon class on time. I went to my car to eat the first day. The car was cold so I ate fast and went back in. On Tuesday, I sat by a woman who asked if I'd like to eat lunch with her in the break room.

One class instructor worked at Rockwell Collins. He set a small object on the corner of our table in the dark. He asked us to describe what we saw, took the object away and turned on the lights. We had a few minutes. Most of the students did just as he asked. They did a detailed description of what they thought they saw in the dark. The instructor read what we handed in. When he got to mine, he sounded surprised when he said I'd written a story. Clearly not the response he had expected. The next time I was in his class he had a statue on the table. I've forgotten the name, but the bearded man in a robe on an oxen. Each student was to add a sentence to a story about the figure. Now I usually have to take my time and give thought to what I intend to write, but I held my own with my sentences. It was fun to see the final story.

In June of this year, I was invited to author day at Anamosa, Iowa's library. One of the authors looked familiar to me. I connected him to the Workshop, but seven years is a long time. I could be wrong. Finally, I asked him if he'd been at the workshop. He was. I told him I was one of his students. The instructor who worked at Rockwell Collins said he remembered me. That surprised me with so many students in the classes, but I thought maybe I had impressed him with my writing ability. No, it was my distinctive voice that he remembered. Funny, that is just how everyone I meet say they remember me - my voice.

Another class was first page of first chapter. I took the first chapter in my children's book "My Children Are More Precious Than Gold". The instructor was a woman from California that had grown up in Cedar Rapids. She made her living editing children books. The first class, she asked each of us to describe our main character. I shared I had 13 of them. She said, "You can't do that." My reply, "I did." No, that isn't the way it works. You have to pick one character to build the story around. Work on that and by the next class she'd look at my writing. The last class went by so fast the instructor barely had time to look at the first paragraphs. A surprised look on her face and a darted glance at me and she read my paragraph out loud. This is what she read.

In the Blue Ridge Mountains near Riner, Virginia, the Bishop family listened to a January blizzard. With a sound akin to the wail of a prowling panther, the wind announced a snowstorm's approach to the hollow before it pounced on the log cabin.


The instructor said my writing sounded like a movie opening. Did I mean for it to sound that way? I said I write like I hear it in my head. She went on to the next student. On the last day, the instructor and I passed each other. She stopped me and ask me to let her know if I had any success with my book. She was interested even if I had not solved the dilemma of who would be the main character. Wow!

I took with me my "Open A Window" book that I'd printed myself. In one class a writing instructor for Kirkwood taught us how to write a query letter and gave advice about publishing. I pulled out my book. The instructor said I should find a way to get the book in doctors office waiting rooms. So far that hasn't happened. But the book has been a success with families needing help and for training CNAs which is even better.

Another class was taught by a English professor at Iowa. My class with him was right after lunch on Monday. Remember I ate fast and came back from the car. I walked into the dark room to find the professor during nap time with his head on the table. I thought about leaving, then decided maybe I should very quietly sit down and wait for the other students to come. After all I had the seat I wanted, far enough away from the instructor to suit me. Before the students showed up, the professor woke up. Right away he began to question me about why I was in his class. (I'm guessing he wanted to take my mind off finding him asleep.) He said he had a group of students that came to his house to work on their writing. I slid my "Open A Window" book down the table to him. He made a quick pass through it and sounded amazed when he said, "Now that was a book." Nondescript as a compliment but the sound of his voice was good enough to bolster my confidence.

Don Harstad, Iowa author of five Sam Houseman series about a deputy sheriff, gave lectures about his success in writing. His first book was named "Eleven Days" because he wrote it in 11 days. He sent his manuscript out for several years before a publisher picked it up. He quit his lawman job and went to writing full time. A movie company bought the rights for a period of time to make a movie from his book but that hinged on getting a script writer. The time was about to run out without a script writer finishing the movie script. I don't know what happened next. Everyone enjoyed this colorful character. Don was good at holding an audience's attention.

An agent was there. We spent some time with her one afternoon, describing what our books were about. She seemed interested in mine. In fact, she was the one who gave me the idea when she said my mystery with an elderly woman as the character was like Miss Marple. If anyone in the audience wanted to send a manuscript for her to look at they needed to put on it they were at the workshop to get a free critique. I sent mine to her. Got a note to call her. She picked my manuscript apart and rightly so. For anymore, she wanted $2000, and she sent me a contract. One clause said when she went to a book fair to push my manuscript I'd pay for her plane ticket and expenses. I called Kirkwood to ask the woman in charge of the workshop if this was a legit agent. She didn't know so she called Don Harstad and ask him if he'd talk to me if I called him. He said yes and gave her his phone number for me to use. He had an agent. The good agents don't ask for money up front. Some might ask for reimbursement after they had sent the manuscript to publishers or made calls to cover those expenses. Others would take the postage or phone calls from your royalty when you got a publisher. I declined the contract, feeling lucky that I checked with Don before I signed it. Better yet, I used the agents critique to make my story better.

On Friday afternoon, anyone could stand up and read something they wrote. I picked the essay that got me sent to the Workshop -- "A Woman For Four Seasons" The woman in charge introduced each of us that participated in the reading. When my turn came, she made sure to say I was given the Workshop by the nursing home I worked at. She still couldn't figure out how that happened. I could tell the students appreciated my essay whether it was the writing or the subject matter I don't know. Maybe a little of both.

Each day, something new surprised and amazed me. I learned so much and found it a good confidence builder to be around other writers. Some of them were far ahead of me with their goals and others were not. At night, I came home and called the administrator to tell her how the day went for me. I don't know when I have or ever will again be as excited about an event in my life. I was ready to try the workshop the next year which had been cut down to three days at the end of the week. Sent in my fee and was disappointed to get it back. Not enough interest in 2003. What happened to all those writers?

An Exciting Opportunity

I never dreamed that I would find myself at a writer's workshop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in October 2002. First of all, I didn't think I was good enough at writing to put up the tuition of $400. To go to a writer's workshop such as that I thought meant I not only needed to be serious about wanting to be an author (which I was) but be able to hold my own with other writers in the classes. I didn't have one bit of confidence in myself, but Keystone Nursing Care Center did. For the administrator and board giving me such a wonderful opportunity I will be always grateful.

Here is what lead to my going to that workshop. The organization that many Iowa nursing homes are a member of had an essay contest each year and a photography contest. The essay had to be 500 words about a resident in the nursing home without mentioning the resident or nursing home. In 2001, I and others at the nursing home wrote an essay. The nursing home's Senior Advocate committee had to pick a winner. I won so my entry went to the essay contest. Out of all the state entries, I won with "Floating Feathers Of Yesterdays". The head of the organization came to Keystone to present me with a $100 check at a reception the nursing home had for me. My essay was in several of the local newspapers.

That win gave me the incentive to try again the next year. So out of the essays submitted at the nursing home mine was again picked. "A Woman For All Seasons" is about a woman who had lived on her small farm, taking care of her cattle for as long as she was able. I admired her for how she had lived her life her way. While I was entering contests, I thought I might as well enter the photography contest. So I picked the woman I wrote the essay about as my subject. In the spring for years, I'd take a lamb and goat to the nursing home to show the residents. That year I took along a bottle of milk. I set the lamb in front of the woman's recliner and handed her the bottle. In the picture, we could see the pure pleasure she experienced while feeding that lamb. The picture title said it all -- "Bottle Full Of Memories".

The contest results call came one evening while I was working. The nurse had okayed it with the administrator to break the news to me. She mumbled that I had won the contests. Figuring the nurse wasn't too up on what I had entered, I said, "Which one?" She just grinned at me. Suddenly her choice of plural "contests" hit me. I squeaked, "Both of them" "Yes!" The contests were judged blind so the judges had no way of knowing that I submitted both the essay and the photo until after they picked the winner. Nor did they realize right away that I had won the essay contest the year before. This was all cause for excitement at the nursing home.

Also, the double wins brought on another reception. A newly hired communication director came from West Des Moines to present me with certificates and a check for $200. I had the woman in my essay and photo up front to be with me. I presented her with a bouquet of flowers to thank her for being my subject matter. She was delighted to be the center of attention until she asked what time it was. She'd already missed five minutes of "The Young And The Restless" and nothing was more important that that soap opera.

For winning the contest I was about to receive a gift from the nursing home. I could not believe it when the administrator gave me the information that the board wanted me to pursue my writing and work on getting better. They paid for the Writer's Workshop as a gift for winning the contests which is good PR for the nursing home. I was excited and nervous all rolled into one and had several weeks to worry about what I was getting into.

The communication director said when she presented me the certificates that I was a very good writer. She was impressed. With that to encourage me, I said if I could find another resident that was essay material I'd enter again next year and try for win number three. That wasn't to be. Months in advance, I came up with an essay and polished it. When the contest rules came, a new one had been add. Last year's winner could not enter. (I had prewarned the communication director.) The next year I again had an entry ready to go and found the contest had been dropped. Maybe not enough participation. That didn't stop me from writing my essays about the residents. One became a eulogy at a resident's visitation and funeral. A story about my mother was purchased by "Good Old Days" Magazine. Quite a few of my essays have placed in other contests. Best of all, I gave the residents a copy of the essays. Their families were delighted to read a story about their loved one.

Update: The National Novel Writing Month contest is over. I only had about half the 50,000 words I need to enter. I loved the challenge but just didn't have the time to stay at the computer. Now I'm looking forward to next November. I'm ready to try again.

Now come back Thursday. I'll tell you about the Kirkwood Writer's Workshop.