Last Day of the Contest

Hello,

Just a reminder that today is the last day of my "Finish the Sentence Contest". Please read the rules below and enter for a last chance to win.

Just wanted to remind you about the "Finish the Sentence Contest" that I am hosting a contest from January 17-31, 2013. This contest will challenge the reader to finish the sentence and use it to set up a scene in 300 words or less. You may enter as many original entries as you want. Just leave your entries in the comments section on my blog.

I will judge the entries and announce a winner on February 1, 2013 on this blog. The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.

“Sarah raced down the narrow path through the trees, her feet pounding in time with her heart, as she….”

Keep entering. I have been enjoying your entries.

Have fun.

Donna

Presidental State

Hi,

Which state has the honor of claiming the most presidents born within its borders?

Virginia is the birthplace of the greatest number of Presidents. It boasts eight. Thirty-one states have never claimed a native son as President.

Donna

Contest Winding Down

Hello,

Just wanted to remind you about the "Finish the Sentence Contest" that I am hosting a contest from January 17-31, 2013. This contest will challenge the reader to finish the sentence and use it to set up a scene in 300 words or less. You may enter as many original entries as you want. Just leave your entries in the comments section on my blog.

I will judge the entries and announce a winner on February 1, 2013 on this blog. The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.

“Sarah raced down the narrow path through the trees, her feet pounding in time with her heart, as she….”

Keep entering. I have been enjoying your entries.

Have fun.

Donna

First President to Visit All Fifty States

Hello,

Who was the first president to visit all fifty states?

Richard Nixon was the first President to visit all 50 states.

Donna

Risks and Rewards of Self-Publishing

Hello Readers,

Writers are turning to self-publishing by the droves. It offers risks and rewards for the author.
Today's featured article explains the pros and cons of self-publishing.

1. Autonomy
In self-publishing, writers control the publishing process. In traditional publishing, the final edit, the cover design and cover copy, and the manner in which marketing and rights are handled are the publisher’s prerogative.
2. Marketing
Traditional publishers focus most of their marketing efforts (and other attention) on established authors, attending little to most of the writers whose works they publish. However, writers with an established audience — bloggers, speakers, and experts — can inexpensively market their self-published books themselves. Click here to read the rest of the article.

Donna

Contest Give-Away

Hello,

Just wanted to remind you about the "Finish the Sentence Contest" that I am hosting a contest from January 17-31, 2013. This contest will challenge the reader to finish the sentence and use it to set up a scene in 300 words or less. You may enter as many original entries as you want. Just leave your entries in the comments section on my blog.

I will judge the entries and announce a winner on February 1, 2013 on this blog. The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.

“Sarah raced down the narrow path through the trees, her feet pounding in time with her heart, as she….”

Keep entering. I have been enjoying your entries.

Have fun.

Donna

Presidental Marble Players

Hi Readers,

Which president played marbles?

George Washington (1789-1797), Thomas Jefferson (1801-09), and John Adams (1797-1801) were all avid collectors and players of marbles.

Donna

Give-Away

Hello,

Just wanted to remind you about the "Finish the Sentence Contest" that I am hosting a contest from January 17-31, 2013. This contest will challenge the reader to finish the sentence and use it to set up a scene in 300 words or less. You may enter as many original entries as you want. Just leave your entries in the comments section on my blog.

I will judge the entries and announce a winner on February 1, 2013 on this blog. The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.

“Sarah raced down the narrow path through the trees, her feet pounding in time with her heart, as she….”

Keep entering. I have been enjoying your entries.

Have fun.

Donna

Who Was The Tallest President?

Hello,

Who was the tallest president? Most of you probably already know this bit of presidental trivia.


The tallest President was Abraham Lincoln (1861-65). He stood 6 feet, 4 inches (193 centimeters) tall.

Donna

Gutenberg Free Ebooks

Hello,

Gutenberg is a wonderful site. They have downloadable ebooks. Most are old classics. Since I love to read, I enjoy using this site for new tomes.

I hope you like the books over there as much as I do.

Click here for more information.

Donna

Remember My Contest

Hello,

Just wanted to remind you about the "Finish the Sentence Contest" that I am hosting a contest from January 17-31, 2013. This contest will challenge the reader to finish the sentence and use it to set up a scene in 300 words or less. You may enter as many original entries as you want. Just leave your entries in the comments section on my blog.

I will judge the entries and announce a winner on February 1, 2013 on this blog. The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.

“Sarah raced down the narrow path through the trees, her feet pounding in time with her heart, as she….”

Keep entering. I have been enjoying your entries.

Have fun.

Donna

Writing Contest

Hello,

Just wanted to remind you about the "Finish the Sentence Contest" that I am hosting a contest from January 17-31, 2013. This contest will challenge the reader to finish the sentence and use it to set up a scene in 300 words or less. You may enter as many original entries as you want. Just leave your entries in the comments section on my blog.

I will judge the entries and announce a winner on February 1, 2013 on this blog. The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.

“Sarah raced down the narrow path through the trees, her feet pounding in time with her heart, as she….”

Keep entering. I have been enjoying your entries.

Have fun.

Donna

President Who Bathed In A River

Hi,

Which president bathed in the river without a swim suit?

John Quincy Adams (1825-29), the sixth President, customarily took a nude early morning swim in the Potomac River.

Donna

President Who Did Not Throw Out a First Pitch

Hello,

Since William Taft threw out the first pitch at a baseball game, all the other presidents have followed that tradition except one. Which one was that?

Since Taft's first pitch, every President but one has opened at least one baseball season during their tenure. The exception: Jimmy Carter (1977-1981).

Donna

Finish The Sentence

Hello,

Just wanted to remind you about the "Finish the Sentence Contest" that I am hosting a contest from January 17-31, 2013. This contest will challenge the reader to finish the sentence and use it to set up a scene in 300 words or less. You may enter as many original entries as you want. Just leave your entries in the comments section on my blog.

I will judge the entries and announce a winner on February 1, 2013 on this blog. The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.

“Sarah raced down the narrow path through the trees, her feet pounding in time with her heart, as she….”

Keep entering. I have been enjoying your entries.

Have fun.

Donna

Presidental First Pitch

Hello Readers,

Which president started the tradition of throwing out the first pitch during a baseball game?

William Taft started the tradition of the Presidential "first pitch" of baseball season. The event took place on April 4, 1910, during an opening day game between the Washington Senators and the Philadelphia Athletics.

Donna

Starbucks Card

Hello,

Just wanted to remind you about the "Finish the Sentence Contest" that I am hosting a contest from January 17-31, 2013. This contest will challenge the reader to finish the sentence and use it to set up a scene in 300 words or less. You may enter as many original entries as you want. Just leave your entries in the comments section on my blog.

I will judge the entries and announce a winner on February 1, 2013 on this blog. The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.

“Sarah raced down the narrow path through the trees, her feet pounding in time with her heart, as she….”

Keep entering. I have been enjoying your entries.

Have fun.

Donna

First President To See A Baseball Game

Hello,

Who was the first president to see a baseball game?

Benjamin Harrison (1889-93), the 23nd President, was the first President to attend a baseball game. He saw the Cincinnati Reds beat the Washington Senators 7 to 4 on June 6, 1892. 

Donna

1960's Music

Dear Readers,

Today our featured article takes us back to the 1960's and re-lives the music during that time period.
This was a fun article to read and I thought you might enjoy it.

I am a typical baby-boomer. I was born at the end of the forties, went to school in England and then on to Technical College in London in the mid-sixties. But my brother is six years older than I and it was through him that I first heard the music revolution called rock ‘n’ roll that changed the world.

Much has been written of the swingin’ sixties, the decade that time will never forget and yes, I agree that it was a turbulent time, a time when the establishment was challenged, when new frontiers were created in society and music. But to my mind the music of the mid to late fifties was the catalyst that allowed the sixties to happen. Look at a set list from the early Beatles concerts in the sixties and what do you see? Covers of songs by Little Richard, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, that’s what. Click here to read more.

Donna

 

Contest Still Running

Hello,

Just wanted to remind you about the "Finish the Sentence Contest" that I am hosting a contest from January 17-31, 2013. This contest will challenge the reader to finish the sentence and use it to set up a scene in 300 words or less. You may enter as many original entries as you want. Just leave your entries in the comments section on my blog.

I will judge the entries and announce a winner on February 1, 2013 on this blog. The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.

“Sarah raced down the narrow path through the trees, her feet pounding in time with her heart, as she….”

Keep entering. I have been enjoying your entries.

Have fun.

Donna

Youngest President

Hello,

Who was the youngest president?

The youngest elected President was John F. Kennedy (1961-63), who reached the White House at 43. But the youngest President to ever serve was Theodore Roosevelt (1901-09), who was elected Vice President on a ticket with President William McKinley. In September 1901 a deranged anarchist shot McKinley twice in Buffalo, New York, and Roosevelt assumed the top office at 42.

Donna

Contest Update

Hello,

Just wanted to remind you about the "Finish the Sentence Contest" that I am hosting a contest from January 17-31, 2013. This contest will challenge the reader to finish the sentence and use it to set up a scene in 300 words or less. You may enter as many original entries as you want. Just leave your entries in the comments section on my blog.

I will judge the entries and announce a winner on February 1, 2013 on this blog. The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.

“Sarah raced down the narrow path through the trees, her feet pounding in time with her heart, as she….”

Keep entering. I have been enjoying your entries.

Have fun.

Donna

Presidental Trivia

Hi,

Who was the heaviest president?

The heaviest President was William Howard Taft (1909-13), who sometimes tipped the scales at more than 300 pounds (136 kilograms) during his tenure. After he became stuck in the White House bathtub, Taft ordered a new one installed. The replacement was big enough to hold four grown men of average size.

Donna

The Writer's Resume

Hello,

A writer needs a resume. It is important to keep a running resume current with completed writing projects listed. It is a handy reference to have on hand to submit or draw upon when information is needed about one's career.

Having a solid and effective resume can greatly improve your chances of landing that dream job. That is beyond discussion. How does one make sure that his resume is top notch and bullet proof, however? There are several websites with tips around the web, but most bring just a handful of them. We wanted to put them all together in a single place, click here to read the rest of the article.

Donna

Finish the Sentence Contest

Hello,

Just wanted to remind you about the "Finish the Sentence Contest" that I am hosting a contest from January 17-31, 2013. This contest will challenge the reader to finish the sentence and use it to set up a scene in 300 words or less. You may enter as many original entries as you want. Just leave your entries in the comments section on my blog.

I will judge the entries and announce a winner on February 1, 2013 on this blog. The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.

“Sarah raced down the narrow path through the trees, her feet pounding in time with her heart, as she….”

Keep entering. I have been enjoying your entries.

Have fun.

Donna

Oldest President?

Hello,

Who was our oldest president?

The oldest President ever elected was Ronald Reagan (1981-89). The 40th President took office at the age of 69.

Donna

Give-away

Hello,

Just wanted to remind you about the "Finish the Sentence Contest" that I am hosting a contest from January 17-31, 2013. This contest will challenge the reader to finish the sentence and use it to set up a scene in 300 words or less. You may enter as many original entries as you want. Just leave your entries in the comments section on my blog.

I will judge the entries and announce a winner on February 1, 2013 on this blog. The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.

“Sarah raced down the narrow path through the trees, her feet pounding in time with her heart, as she….”

Keep entering. I have been enjoying your entries.

Have fun.

Donna

Who Was the Smallest President?

Hello,

Today President Obama was sworn into office for his second term. I thought it would be fun to spend the rest of January learning more about our country's presidents.

Do you know who the smallest president was?

The smallest President was James Madison (Presidential term 1809-17). The fourth President, Madison stood 5 feet, 4 inches (163 centimeters) tall and weighed less than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).

Donna

Reader Tips

Hi,

I found a list of writing tips from a website that I would like to share with all of you. This particular site asked readers for their own personal tips that help them become better writers.

Enjoy.

1. Daniel
Pay attention to punctuation, especially to the correct use of commas and periods. These two punctuation marks regulate the flow of your thoughts, and they can make your text confusing even if the words are clear.
2. Thomas
Participate in NaNoWriMo, which challenges you to write a 50,000 word novel in a month. I noticed that my writing has definitely improved over the course of the book — and it’s not even finished yet. Click here to read all of the tips. It is worth the hop over to the website to read all of them.

Donna

Give Away Update

Hello,

Just wanted to remind you about the "Finish the Sentence Contest" that I am hosting a contest from January 17-31, 2013. This contest will challenge the reader to finish the sentence and use it to set up a scene in 300 words or less. You may enter as many original entries as you want. Just leave your entries in the comments section on my blog.

I will judge the entries and announce a winner on February 1, 2013 on this blog. The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.

“Sarah raced down the narrow path through the trees, her feet pounding in time with her heart, as she….”

Keep entering. I have been enjoying your entries.

Have fun.

Donna

Resolutions Give-Away

Hi,

My online writer pal is doing a give-away at the same time that I am. You can read about it here.

Hers is easier to do. Just add a New Year's Resolution you have made either this year or in the past.

Donna

Finish the Sentence Contest Day Two

 

Hello,

Today is day two of the "Finish the Sentence Contest" that I am hosting a contest from January 17-31, 2013. This contest will challenge the reader to finish the sentence and use it to set up a scene in 300 words or less. You may enter as many original entries as you want. Just leave your entries in the comments section on my blog.

I will judge the entries and announce a winner on February 1, 2013 on this blog. The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.

Here is the sentence.

“Sarah raced down the narrow path through the trees, her feet pounding in time with her heart, as she….”

Keep entering.

Have fun.

Donna

Types of Dictionaries

Hello Readers,

There are many types of dictionaries available for the writer.

Dictionaries aren’t just for looking up spellings and meanings of a broad selection of terms; you’ll find biographical, geographical, and medical dictionaries, among other specialized volumes. Here are five other categories of repositories of words, with a link to one online example of each. Click here to read the rest of the article.

 

Donna

 

Finish the Sentence Contest

Hello,

I am hosting a contest from January 17-31, 2013. This contest will challenge the reader to finish the sentence and use it to set up a scene in 300 words or less. You may enter as many original entries as you want. Just leave your entries in the comments section on my blog.

I will judge the entries and announce a winner on February 1, 2013 on this blog. The winner will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.

Here is the sentence.

“Sarah raced down the narrow path through the trees, her feet pounding in time with her heart, as she….”

 

Have fun.

Donna

Teenagers in the 1950's

Hello,

Being a teenager was not always a catch-phrase in modern society. Today's post features the teenager in the 1950's and how the term evolved into what we know it today. I hope you enjoy taking a trip back into history.

The word Teenager was created in the 1950’s due to the tremendous population of those in this age category and because teenagers started gaining more independence and freedoms. Teenagers were able to buy more things like food, clothes and music because of an increase in spending money.

Teenagers were also becoming more independent in the type of music they preferred to listen to, no more listening to what their parents liked, teens flocked to the new music of the decade, which was rock and roll.
Click here to read more.


Donna
 

Christian Writers Guild

Hello,

The Christian Writers Guild provides a plethora of services for the writer. They offer online classes in the writing craft, conferences, contests, critiques, membership, and a blog. They even have webinars for writers.

Word Weavers offers writing critique groups.


Click here for more information.

Donna

Only

Dear Readers,

Have you ever wondered about the use of the word "only" in writing? I think today's featured link will help us understand the proper use of this word. Cec Murphy does an excellent job of clarifying its use.

I'm amazed at the way careless writers use only. Too often it becomes a misplaced modifier. To place it correctly, you need to put only next to the part of the sentence you want to modify.

What's the difference between these two sentences?

Click here to read the rest of the article.

Donna
 

Life In The 1950's

Hello Readers,

Life in the 50's had it's advantages and disadvantages. Some say it was a simpler time, for others it was a period of great struggle. I found the featured article today interesting. It gives an overview of the general culture of the time period. I hope you enjoy it.



Life in the 1950’s was simple. Some say it was the best time in American History, although I would suggest that could be true for most White Americans but not completely true for Black Americans.

Segregation and racism was still part of life and although there were some major changes to erase both like in 1954, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled segregation in public schools were unconstitutional, there were still problems forcing blacks to take drastic measures for equality and inclusion like in 1955, when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a public bus. Click here to read the rest of the article.

Donna

Links for Writers

Hello,

As a writer, I am constantly looking for writing tips. Today's featured site includes links for software, writing tips, and self-publishing.

Click here to learn more.

Donna

CCWC

Dear Readers,

I have attended the Colorado Christian Writers Conference for several years. It has been very benefical for my writing career. I have attended many classes and workshop that have aided my skill development.

Marlene Bagnull has a heart for helping writers develop their careers.





Perhaps it’s a manuscript you’ve been working on for years. You’ve rewritten it not just once or twice but many times. Still you’ve been unsuccessful in finding an agent or publisher. It makes no sense because you know it’s something God has called you to write. You’ve studied the craft. You’ve gone to critique groups and conferences trying to find that missing something. And now . . . now you’re not sure you can keep on keeping on. Click here for more information.
To find a conference near you click here.

Donna

Cec Murphy, Author

Hello,

Cec Murphy is a multi-published author. He has written more than 120 books. He features posts on his blog every Tuesday and Friday. Each article focuses on a specific part of the writing process.
He even has a "subscribe" button on the right side of the blog for readers to have his posts delivered to their email. It is definitely worth the trip over to Cec's blog to read all of his articles. Click here for 'Writer to Writer.


Cec's website and information on his books can be accessed here.

I hope you enjoy his posts.

Donna

1950's Gymsuits

Dear Readers,

In my never ending research for a writing project, I ran across this article about gym clothing for high school students in the 1950's and 60's. It was a requirement in many schools for students to dress out for gym class. The uniforms for girls were a sight to behold. Blue was the preferred color for gym suits in my neck of the woods. The white ankle socks and pristine white canvas shoes were also required. Whoa to the girl whose shoes were not stark white. Those were the days. To find out more about the 'bloomers' and what they looked like I've included an excerpt and the link to the article.

One requirement in most schools that existed from before World War II until the 1980s was wearing very specific gym uniforms. For male students, this meant wearing gym shorts, and in most cases, a school tee shirt. For female students, in many cases, it meant wearing a gymsuit, white socks, and white sneakers.Click here to read the article.

Donna