Back up again!

Your monthly reminder to back up.

Back up!

Just a reminder to back up your work!

Move your lips & Don't like words

I usually try to read at least three or more sources on anything.  You get a lot of repeat information. Standard stuff that is basic.  Then you get extra stuff from each author. Through the years I have read a lot of books on writing.  In the last couple of weeks I have come across "move your lips" more than a couple of times form three of four different places.  Authors suggesting that, as we proof and edit, we move our lips. I have always known to read what I write aloud, but it is strange that I have hit upon this phrase so many times.  Something to think about.  We should move our lips as we read to ourselves. Even if we are not reading out loud.

My - don't like - word or phrase this week is: Torrent. Not the computer download stuff.  I've come across it about a dozen times.  It's starting to move up there to another one I don't like, and hope to never use: A long moment.

Happy 4th!

Hope everyone is having a happy 4th.  Stay Safe!

Highlights Foundation Workshop

I got to attend a Highlights workshop at the beginning of the month.  It was the condensed nonfiction workshop with Peter Jacobi.  He is great, he is like an editors editor.  He writes articles to teach editors.

Those who know me, know I have been working on articles to sub to Highlights for Children.  One of the highlights of my trip was the evening Senior Editor, Debra Hess, came by for dinner.  I had been in touch with her through emails, but it was great getting to meet, and talk with her.

From left to right - Rick (that's me) Peter Jacobi, and Debra Hess.

They are all so nice. They are all down to earth, real people.

Family Reunion

Had a great time this past Saturday at my wife's family reunion. We got to take a day off from the shop, thanks to my son, Tylor.  Had fun all day at one of the local city parks.  It was refreshing being outside all day and not having to work or run a chainsaw.  I got some ideas for story content just watching, and listening to everyone.

(left) Harry Stock from PA, and (right) ME from TN

My first writer's workshop at Highlights!

Okay, I love the Highlights Founders Workshops.  I attended the one above from Jun 3-6. The leader was Peter P. Jacobi.  He has done it all! Yes, everything Nonfiction and article writing.  My favorite part was the section on interviews.  Last week I was asking questions about interviews on The Writers Retreat boards.

This was great.  More to come!

Guess What!

If you are following me, keep checking back.  I have a surprise. That's all for now.

Writers workshop game!

I am seeking information from those of you who have attended workshops, or conferences. This will be valuable information for those of us who have not.  I have also posted this on Writers Retreat.

Okay, it’s like the old game – I went on a picnic and took…  You do not have to list everything the last person took, just what you took.

For this game list what you took to a children’s writers’ workshop and what you wished you would have taken. (Things you forgot, or did not know to take until you were there.)

Sounds like fun.

Something like this.

I went to a workshop and took: My laptop, note pads, and 1 article MS.  I wish I would have taken other manuscripts and a synopsis of my WIP book.

Thanks all.

What gives?

I think I have posted before about what we have to give up in daily life in order to have time to write. Since our busy season is upon us at the shop, I have less time for all the fun internet stuff that goes with my writing. Stuff like blogging, and FB.  I have even slowed down on my favorite board, the Writer's Retreat.

Just wanted you all to know, I am still around, still writing, and still pop in all those fun places from time to time, but come and go quickly and quietly.

Carry on. Have fun.

Don't forget to backup, again.