Author Ruth F. Stevens is our guest today. WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING TOUR is hosting Ruth and her brand new novel, My Year of Casual Acquaintances. And Choices is very pleased to share Ruth's essay about how important our casual relationships are to our lives. We hope it will encourage you to read the entire book: How casual acquaintances play an important role in our lives By Ruth F. Stevens I doubt anyone would question that our close friends and relatives are the people we hold most dear in the world. But the casual acquaintances we encounter in our daily lives can also enrich us, filling needs that are different from those met by our family members and besties. Casual acquaintances can take many forms. Maybe she’s the co-worker you enjoy chatting with over coffee in the breakroom. Or the man who’s been styling your hair for the past ten years. Or the cheerful retiree who volunteers at the hospital the same afternoon as you. … [Read more...]
This is about Walter Thornton and the future of Hollywood’s Golden Age
Please welcome Nancy Thornton Navarro and Adriana Thornton-Cornejo with Philip Mershon's WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING TOUR of The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton. And as a special bonus sisters and daughters of Walter Thornton, Nancy and Adriana, have given us a special treat - the story of the Chrysler building - one of the most beautiful buildings in New York City. If I could ever get a tour I'd jump at the chance. And now here's their story of the Chrysler Building: History of the Iconic Chrysler Building and The Walter Thornton Story Nancy and I began our journey with little knowledge of our father’s extraordinary role as one of the early 20th century's most successful entrepreneurs. It was only through our research that we discovered he had founded one of the few new nationwide businesses to emerge during the Great Depression—an accomplishment well-documented in history books. His achievements were already recognized, needing no further … [Read more...]
All Money Ain’t Good Money is a very fun book about a woman detective. Please take a look.
Welcome to the WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING TOUR of All Money Ain’t Good Money By Tracey Lampley. Tracey has also written a guest post for us about how she's love to have dinner with six authors. Thank you so much Tracey. And now here's Tracey: Six Authors I’d Love to Invite for Supper by Tracey Lampley Like most readers, I’m also a fan of the authors I love. I’ll only list three traditionally published authors. Because I also review books on my website, I’ll include three indie authors that I’d love to invite for supper. The traditionally published authors include: Terry McMillan: I’d love to pepper her with questions about novel structure, novel research and novel marketing. Janet Evanovich: I’d love to know on whom she based Stephanie Plum. Had she always meant for Lula to be a recurring character? Will she eventually age Stephanie Plum? Jackie Collins: Although she’s deceased, I’d love to regal her with stories I’d written in my spiral notebooks … [Read more...]
A lesson shared by Ravel Howell
Blink & GLow, by Raven Howell, shares a lesson for children. That is to respect the freedom and light of the natural life in all living things. Thank you WOW! Women on Writing for sharing this lesson with our Choices readers. Raven has also written an essay for us about the most popular children's book themes. Here's Raven: Today’s most popular children’s book themes By Raven Howell Are we depleting natural resources? What about global climate change? There’s ongoing debate about general water and air pollution as well, and issues regarding loss of biodiversity. I began to wonder how the youngest among us related to nature in these present days. How will our children and grandchildren tend to the earth and our natural environment? Appreciating how it operates, being compassionate to its needs is a good first step. When I wrote about this appreciation in my new book, Blink and Glow, my intention was to create a story that gently informed, but also entertained and … [Read more...]
An award winning author is our guest today – Vickie Rubin
Welcome to Vickie Rubin author of the award winning memoir, Raising Jess: The Story of Hope. She has also written a special post for us about how she changed her stance from I should write a book to I am writing a book. So many of us have gone from that first I should step to the I am step and became successful authors. Gee I should Write a Book to I am Writing a Book. by Vickie Rubin, M.S. Ed. "I should write a book." This thought often crosses the minds of friends and acquaintances, and it's a sentiment I hear often, perhaps because I've ventured from the idea to the reality. But, how does one transition from the mere thought, 'Gee, I should write a book,' to the action, 'I am Writing a book?' Writing "Raising Jess: A Story of Hope" came smoothly; however, the decision to START to write took a bit longer. Many puzzle pieces aligned, such as a recent retirement (time), family encouragement (motivation), the concept of the entire book (I'm still waiting … [Read more...]
A new novel by Anoop Judge
About a family faced with tragedy, secrets, and misconceptions, No Ordinary Thursday by Anoop Judge, is a wonderful new novel. Please welcome Anoop back to Choices and be sure to comment about your book reactions below. Also, please read her special essay written just for us about her writing life. A Peek into My Writing Life by Anoop Judge When I decided to transition from a career in law to one in writing, I envisioned a tranquil life spent crafting stories in a cozy study. Reality, however, has been a blend of routine, inspiration, and occasional chaos. Here’s a glimpse into my daily life as a writer. My day begins before the sun rises. The quiet of the early morning is sacred to me. With a cup of strong coffee in hand, I settle into my writing nook—my office which is a space filled with books, notes, and inspiration boards. These first few hours are my most productive. There’s a unique magic to the pre-dawn stillness that allows creativity to flow … [Read more...]
In grief, we are never alone
Meet author Lisa Braxton, who is visiting us on her WOW! Women on Writing virtual book tour. Lisa's lyrical memoir about grief - Dancing Between the Raindrops - will make you want to hold on to your loved ones and protect their memories for your lifetime. She also assures you, you are not alone. Lisa has also written an essay for Choices about how a writing group saved her manuscript. We all need to listen to that. Here's Lisa: My Writing Group Saved My Manuscript by Lisa Braxton Since childhood I knew I wanted to write a novel. I’d curl up with my copy of Little Women or Charlotte’s Web and dream of creating stories of my own. But I wasn’t able to begin the work of fulfilling my dream until many decades later. My career in journalism helped me learn the fundamentals of writing a story, how writing doesn’t really begin until rewriting, and the importance of a good editor making a story even better. But journalism was all consuming. As a reporter covering stories about … [Read more...]
What it’s like to be a park ranger
Choices is so pleased to welcome Rosanne McHenry and her new book, Tales From a Rogue Ranger, while she's on her WOW! Women on Writing tour. Rosanne has also written a very interesting blog post for us about how to succeed at a job you never wanted. I'm sure a lot of us need her advice on that. Here's Rosanne. How to Succeed at a Job You Never Wanted by Rosanne McHenry One day I was minding my own business, working as a park ranger at Folsom Lake, California, and the next moment I was drafted to work at the Auburn State Recreation Area as the Whitewater Rafting Program Manager. I never asked for this job. I didn’t want it. I balked at it. I was mandated to do it anyway. How do I get into these situations, I wondered? I figured it was my punishment for being hard-working and conscientious. This all began when my co-worker Jess took on the responsibility to impose safety controls on the American River whitewater rafting industry. Many of the commercial … [Read more...]
A multiple book award winner is our guest today
BLynn Goodwin, a multiple book award winner, is our guest today. Her latest book, Disrupted, came out in late January and is doing wonderfully in sales. BLynn has also written a guest post for us about the difference between being a writer pantser and plotter with a quiz so we can easily tell what we are. I know for sure I'm a plotter but that doesn't mean it's the best choice. Here's BLynn with her pantser and plotter thoughts. Pantser or Plotter? Does It Matter? by BLynn Goodwin A professional writer I’ve worked with, a woman who’s published by the Big 4, posted that she was starting her ninth book and asking herself, “How do I do this?” She even googled How to Plot a Book. If she’s having problems and you are too, you are in good company. The experts say to write what you know, but they don’t tell you the best approach to take. It depends on who you are, how your brain works, and what kind of manuscript you’re working on. I found this wonderfully … [Read more...]
Introducing Anoop Judge and Mercy and Grace
The story of Gia Kumari and how she finally leaves the Delhi orphanage where she was raised is almost miraculous. You won't want to put this new novel, Mercy and Grace by Anoop Judge down. Also Anoop has written a guest post for us - about how beneficial writing is to help us work through our grief. I know that is very true. After my own son died, I wrote to heal and it helped me a lot. Here's Anoop: Writing Your Way Through Grief by Anoop Judge Grief is a profound and complex emotion that can arise from various sources, such as the loss of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or even the loss of a cherished dream. It’s a universal experience, yet it’s deeply personal and can feel isolating. In my own journey through grief, I’ve found writing to be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. The Power of Writing Writing has long been recognized as a therapeutic activity. It allows us to express our emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a way … [Read more...]
Writing about sensitive sociological issues
Choices is very pleased too host Dawn Reno Langley today, a very renown author of over thirty books. She has also written a guest post just for us about how important writing about sensitive issues is to our well being. Writing about Sensitive Sociological Issues By Dawn Reno Langley When I care about something, I write about it. My mother coached me through my first newspaper essay when I was nine, affirming that I had a right to speak up about how frightened I felt that nuclear war was going to obliterate us all. My young writer’s imagination focused on the fear of a giant missile pointed toward the United States. I needed to say something, and that first essay determined the type of writing I would do throughout my life. I write about social justice issues. I’ve written novels about wife abuse (Loving Marie), about ocean mammals (The Silver Dolphin), about elephant abuse and gun violence (The Mourning Parade), and about social and gender identity issues (Analyzing the … [Read more...]
Birthday tribute
I wrote this piece in my writing group last Tuesday. I was inspired by a quote from Joan Rivers: “I wish I could tell you it gets better, but it doesn’t get better. You get better.” Here goes: February fourth would have been my husband Bob’s eighty-seventh birthday. It was an awful lonely long day. No hugs, no kisses, no conversations, no plans, no nothing. And I kept thinking about how I could make it better, and I couldn’t find a way. He’s been gone over three years already and those three years seem so much longer than the over fifty years we were together married, having a family, sometimes working together, traveling, eating out, occasionally bickering and having long and interesting talks almost every night after dinner. I still have the beautiful jewels and clothes and artifacts that he gave me that I don’t even wear or use. But I can’t bear to sell or give them away. They are my memories of him and his generosity and love. My son will have to deal with them after I’m … [Read more...]
Welcome to our film and media maker guest today
Thank you, Neill McKee, for honoring our Choices blog with your presence today. Also for writing us a guest post about how important writing about our careers and life stories is. Neill is currently on his Women on Writing book tour. Here'a Neill: The benefits of writing about your career and life story by Neill McKee As is documented in my travel memoir, early in my career, I became a filmmaker and later a multimedia producer. After 45 years of such work, I decided to switch to creative nonfiction. Many people become consultants in their specialized fields in their senior years, but I had little interest in that. I had all these stories in my head about my varied life: growing up in a small industrially-polluted town in Ontario, Canada, and learning how “to escape” its confinements and stinks; my searching years at university, not knowing what I wanted to do with my life; and then a dramatic transition when I became a volunteer teacher in Sabah, Malaysia on Borneo Island. … [Read more...]
How to recover joy
Navigate Your Mid-Life Renaissance With This Guide to Rediscovering Joy by Sheila Olson Photo via Pexels Imagine standing at a crossroads in your life, the path behind you rich with experiences and the one ahead filled with untapped potential. This isn't a crisis; it's your mid-life renaissance. You're not lost; you're on the brink of discovery. Embrace this journey with an open heart and a curious mind, and watch as new horizons of inspiration and positivity unfold before you. In this article we’ll take a look at a few ways you can rekindle your joy and live your best life. Rediscovering Purpose Through Giving In the heart of giving, you'll find a renewed sense of purpose. Seek out opportunities to contribute to a cause close to your heart. Whether it's animal welfare, environmental conservation, or community development, immerse yourself in the act of … [Read more...]
What it costs to be a writer
Hannah Rowen Fry is our Women on Writing book tour guest today. Her book is The Way of Gratitude with reflections on the Scriptures. Hannah has also written a guest post for us - something I'm sure we'll all benefit from - How to publish on a budget. Here's Hannah. Publishing on a Budget by Hannah Rowen Fry As a new writer I underestimated how much I would spend to be a writer. After all, writing is free, right? Well… There’s the cost of the writing itself - equipment like a laptop, journal and pen, note-keeping software, and the endless cups of coffee that fuel you. This doesn’t include the time it takes to write, edit, rewrite, and submit works for publication, most of which is unpaid labor until well after the fact. Beyond the writing process, once you’ve gotten a book written and ready to be published, marketing is an entirely additional cost! Email services, Amazon ads, website costs… These expenses and more threaten … [Read more...]
Our job is to love the unlovable
The Calm meditation leader said loving the unlovable doesn’t mean sentimental love. It means loving someone or something that we don’t even know and perhaps don’t even want to know. So I looked around my mind and the only one I could think of is Donald Trump. He is the most unlovable person I can think of, and there is no way I want to try to love him. Unsentimental or sentimental, he doesn’t evoke any love from me whatsoever. It’s a shame that one person could be so despicable in his words, deeds, crimes, appearance – the list goes on and on – that I consider him to be below unlovable. So I need to let him go and think some more to find an unlovable character to love. Maybe my ex-husband. He was a real piece of work. He didn’t know how to be husband. He would rather go out drinking and play pool with his boyfriends than spend time with me. And before we were divorced I found more of his bad habits. He stored a gun in his bottom dresser drawer and bags of pot in the drawer above … [Read more...]
A memoir travelogue you’ll love
I'm pleased to share information about Katie R. Aune's new book, Finding Katya, part memoir and part travelogue. Wouldn't we all want to have the opportunity to start over and tour another part of our world? Well, you can do it by reading Katie's compelling book. Here's some information about it. *** Book Summary Finding Katya is the inspiring and compelling story of one woman who ditches everything to embark on an unconventional adventure through the former Soviet Union. On her 35th birthday, Katie Aune was at a crossroads. Still reeling from a difficult breakup and longing to find more meaning in her life, she hopped on a one-way flight to start a year-long journey of discovery. Once a Russian and East European Studies major in college, Aune plotted a course that would take her through all 15 states of the former Soviet Union. In a book that is part memoir, part travelogue, Aune takes readers along as she discovers places that are far off the … [Read more...]
The gift
I wrote the following piece many years ago about a time my mother and I had lunch together. She didn't want to eat and surprisingly the gift did the trick. The Gift by Madeline Sharples Laura saw him standing quietly by the door. He turned and put a quarter into the vending machine. The next time she looked up he was holding a white stuffed bear dressed in blue plaid overalls, a bow tie and baseball hat. The brightly lit restaurant was almost empty except for the waiter, a woman sitting alone in the front booth, and Laura and her mother sitting across from each other in the booth by the window. Laura was in her mid 50s, slim with short graying hair and a look on her face that said, “I want to be any place but here.” Her mother was so short her head of pure white whispy hair barely reached the top of the booth. “I’m not even hungry,” the older woman said. “Nothing ever tastes good to me.” “Mom, you look so pale, you have to eat something,” Laura said. “What are … [Read more...]
A trip to a burlesque theater
We lied. Instead of telling our parents we were going downtown to a burlesque show, we told them we were going to the movies and that Joe Fell who had a VW van was driving. There were six of us: Lee, Tom, Ann, Wendy, Joe and me. And we were all members of the staff of our high school newspaper so we pretended this was part of our latest research project. After all, every student soon to graduate from high school had to know what the inside of a burlesque theater was like. While Joe drove, his passengers kept up a steady banter about what we expected to see. Beautiful and sexy and big bosomed girls in almost no clothes. They would have patches on their nipples with ribbons hanging from them that they could twirl in time with the music. We assumed the girls would do a lot of high kicks and squats and pole climbing that would give us a hint of what was underneath their tiny amount of clothes. We were not disappointed when we arrived at the theater in downtown Chicago. Joe got there … [Read more...]
