Writing Techniques ~~ Your Author Footprint

              Writers' Tips & Techniques ~~                                  Your Author Footprint

If I say the word footprint, what's the first thing that flashes through your mind? Leaving yours on a sandy beach, in a muddy field, across a snow covered terrain, or imprinted into cement on the sidewalk next to your house?

As an author, what types of things do you write? Books, magazine articles, blogs, newspaper guest editorials, software manuals, poetry, recipes, screenplays, or advertisements? You get the general idea.

According to Merriam Webster, two of the definitions of footprint are: "a marked effect, impression, or impact; something that identifies."

When growing your reader base, it's important to bear in mind that your audience wants to hear your unique voice as they turn each page from cover to cover. Your voice can be likened to your footprint. It's what identifies you as an author.

Just for grins, try this: pluck your favorite book (other than one of your own, of course) off your bookshelf. Write down the author's name, title of the book, and in three sentences or less write out your description of his or her footprint.  Bring this into sharper focus by framing the three sentences into three adjectives or superlatives.

Here's an example: One of my favorite authors, Francine Rivers, has left her indelible footprint in many countries around the globe. Her writings convey redemption, encouragement, grace, God's love, mercy, and faithfulness among other things. She's been given many awards which attest to the strength of her footprint.

I'm reminded of a Biblical passage regarding a footprint as well which pertains to the tribe of Asher. Turn to the 33rd chapter of the book of Deuteronomy for the blessing which reads, "Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death. And he said:  . . .

(Verse 24) "And of Asher he said:
Asher is most blessed of sons;
Let him be favored by his brothers,
And let him dip his foot in oil."

When one dips his foot in oil, it would no doubt leave an indelible impression. Are your writings depositing something similar?

A companion verse to the one above can be found in Genesis 49, "And Jacob called his sons and said, "Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days: . . .

(Verse 20) "Bread from Asher shall be rich.
And he shall yield royal dainties."

To implement an analogy from the above verse, when people read your writings, do they feel like they've eaten the finest loaf of bread made from the most excellent, nutritious grains?

Could your words be considered royal dainties ~~ those which are attractive, appetizing, satisfying, and wholesome? Royal dainties imply they are not common, everyday edibles. It's something that people would desire -- something special, a royal treat.

A suggested exercise might be to read some of your wording aloud to another person who would be honest but not discouraging. Pretend you're offering this person her favorite dessert. If your few paragraphs or chapter tasted like bland, ordinary food, what would it take to kick it up a few notches to the royal dainty category? Some spices or flavorings? Extra seasonings or a layer of satin frosting? Restaurants spend a considerable amount of time, energy, and money pairing foods with appetizers, beverages, entrees, and desserts. Novelists could apply the same principle of sorts. Back to your favorite author or book for a second. Does the author do an excellent job of pairing characters and plot or setting and theme? If the book lacks tension, I guess they could add the equivalent of some cayenne pepper!

Applying the aforementioned, are there ways in which you can implement these principles into your writings if you're not already doing so?

Be encouraged in the fact that developing your author footprint takes time and practice just like anything else in life worth having and doing. Rome wasn't built in a day. Most likely, your book wasn't written in a day either; however, you just might want your readers to plow right through it in less than one. If this is your ultimate goal, study your existing footprint. Plan your work and work your plan as to how you can add strength, dimension, richness, indelibleness, (I just made that one up) and satisfaction to your writing.

Happy Reading & Writing,

Sheila Fabulous

www.desertsagepress.com

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Writing Techniques ~~ "The Writing Bug Bites"

Writers are often asked who, when, where, how and why did we start writing. Some of us, like me, remember when the bug first bit. I was in the third grade, and my teacher loved to have us students write book reports. She indicated that we should complete the task on one page, write neatly (we were also practicing our cursive) and be prepared to read our creations to the class. I loved horses, and at the time, a popular author of children’s books was C.W. Anderson, who was writing a series about a boy and his horse, the Billy and Blaze stories.

I wrote my first book report on “Blaze and the Forest Fire,” telling how the boy and his horse saved the day by riding fast to report the fire. My teacher liked the book report, and my enthusiasm about it.

I was disappointed to learn that “Blaze and the Forest Fire,” was the only one of the series available at our school library. For the rest of the year, whenever I needed a book report, I wrote one about a Billy and Blaze adventure that existed only in my imagination and on my notepaper. I recall there were three of them, one about a race Blaze won at the county fair. I always received a good grade on my book reports, and later I wondered if I fooled the teacher, or if she was rewarding creativity.

As I sat down to write this blog, I became curious as to whether Billy and Blaze had survived all these decades. I went to Amazon.com and found there were several books in that series still available for purchase. The next time I visit the Twin Falls, Idaho Library I intend to search for Billy and Blaze.

References about writing are everywhere. I Googled Bible references to writing and on one site I found 63 citations.  The first reference to catch my interest was when the Lord got into the writing business, writing the ten commandments with his finger on the tablets of stone for Moses (Exodus 31:18). In Joshua 30:2, the Lord commands Joshua to “write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.”

In Proverbs 3:3 we are encouraged to “let love and faithfulness never leave you, bind them around your neck and write them on the tablet of your heart.”  Good advice then, good advice now.  The Psalmist, in Psalm 102:18 looks to those who will follow him when he writes “let this be written for a future generation that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.”

For those of you who are considering picking up a pen/pencil or turning on your computer to write and not sure where you’ll get your ideas, one of the suggestions I offer is that you think about writing a continuation of a story you’ve recently read or a TV series you’ve enjoyed. What is happening next to the characters?  With this thought, I find the Greatest Book Ever Written a source for someone looking for something to write.  The Bible, as we know, is filled with stories and story possibilities. This source of story ideas offers you an opportunity to not only consider “what happened then?” but may even inspire you to study more of the Bible and related sources. For instance, what happened to the donkey on which Jesus rode on Palm Sunday? Was the innkeeper’s life changed after the birth of Jesus in his stable?

Some individuals I know were bitten by the writing bug as they listened to stories told by older family members and realized those stories should be saved for other family members and future generations. Write them down. Since I am not really “electronically literate”, I carry a small notebook and pen in my purse to catch possible story prompts.

I find that cell phones with cameras offer another way to get started writing. So many photos of people, events, scenery, etc. almost cry out for something to be written about them. Perhaps choosing one photo a week or a month to write something about will trigger your writing desire.

Reminiscing about the lives of your parents or older relatives may also bring stories to mind. I remember working in the fields as a young girl, beside my mother and sister. Potato harvesting has changed drastically through the decades. Workers would pick potatoes from the field and place them in wire baskets and sacks for transport to the cellars for processing.  I remember my mother shedding her clothes in the middle of a potato field when a mouse ran up her pant leg. My mother was a shy woman, but she didn’t hesitate to separate herself from the mouse. It could have been a funny story.

Another prompt for deciding to start writing can be an urgent desire on your part to express your opinion about what you read in a newspaper or heard on TV. Letters to the editorial staff of newspapers and magazines are opportunities to write and share your thoughts. I am always thrilled to see my name in print, wherever it is. I remember one time my letter to the editor was published in a local paper and a member of our church read it to friends gathered around him after the service. He had read the letter several times and didn’t connect that I was the person who had written it until his wife carefully pointed out that the “Ruth” was a woman he knew.

Pets can inspire you to write. I’ve enjoyed the company of dogs for most of my life; however, in recent years a stray cat and her kitten have joined my household, and storytelling about their antics fills many of my conversations. I should write these experiences, at least in a journal.

I recently retired (again) as a substitute teacher and found that having students keep a journal is an amazing way to encourage them to think, speak and write. Parents who read their children’s journals may find a rich source of ideas in their kids’ homework.

I’ve retired for the umpteenth time, and I find that I’ve actually “refired”, spending much of my time writing and loving it (most of the time).  I’ve self-published two books through Create Space during the past two years, “My Border Collie World”, and “Civilian Women’s Quarters”, and hope to publish “We Gather Together” in the next month.

      

May the writing bug also bite you and cause you to itch to put your words on paper.

             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I want to extend a BIG "Thank You" to my guest blogger, Ruth Simerly, for her encouraging, instructive, and sage words. I met Ruth years ago in a small writing group in the valley. Her smile radiates kindness and her eyes twinkle like Christmas tree lights.  I love the happy smile on her border collie's face featured in the above book cover.  

Please share this guest blog post to those who desire to write or need ideas to jump start or complete their current project.

Happy Reading, & Write on!

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Spring Sonnets, Sports, & Symposiums"

Now that spring is in full swing, it's a great time to head outdoors to do some reading and writing.  I suppose you could even do some 'rithmetic if that's on your schedule.

                                                                         Sonnets

For my April issue of Writers' T. & T. (Writers' Tips & Techniques), I invite you to try your hand at writing a sonnet of which there are basically six different styles and types.  The word sonnet is derived from the Italian word "sonnetto," which means a "little song" or small lyric.  For more details, please scoop this:  https://literarydevices.net/sonnet/

                         

Of Farms & Frames

Down through the family trees they descended,
Some with brown eyes, others with blue, one with green.
All were created so lovingly by God,
Implementing His masterful right hand.
A lively clan as one could easily hear.
The patriarch was quite a character,
To which the neighbors would gladly attest.
The little farm provided years of quick learning,
Lessons required to be remembered.
Time flees so quickly; capture it right now,
Chances abound for precious memories.
Print them to place inside a pretty frame,
To continue your family legacy,
For the generations which will follow you.


GRANDKIDDOS' SPRING SPORTS 

                                      

Granddaughter, Ali ,with a fabulous serve during her first spring volleyball game.

                                         

Grandson, T. J., executing the perfect hike during his Friday Night Flag Football game.

                                     

Since brother's team was winning by a wide margin, sister reads on.  She's never without a book. Speaking of readers and writers, one doesn't need to look very far back in the family trees to find many of the same bent.

 Spring Writers' Symposium 

Those of you who attended the Spring Writers' Symposium on St. Patrick's Day in Parma, Idaho were treated to a little humor when I commenced my workshop on Creative Writing. I wanted to celebrate my new found ancestry with a stylish pair of glasses. What do you think?

                                                                   
Speaking of creative writing, enter to win your choice of one of my books featured on my blog page ~~ www.sheilassagaciousstirrings.blogspot.com or the creative writing exercise and instructions I presented during the recent symposium.  This creative writing packet will include three creative writing prompts.

How to enter:

1.  Follow me on Facebook or Twitter@SheilaEismann (if you are not already doing so) and mention the title of this newsletter, "Spring Sonnets, Sports and Symposiums."

2.  Visit my blog post, "Spring Sonnets, Sports and Symposiums." and leave a comment.

3.  Share the blog post on Facebook or Twitter.  (Don't forget to tag me and comment "Spring Sonnets, Sports and Symposiums" when you share, so I will know you entered.)

4.  For those of you who are not social media subscribers, please send an email to:  sheila@desertsagepress.com and indicate that you'd like to have your name entered in the giveaway.

The giveaway will run from now until April 30th.  The winner will be announced Monday, April 30th at noon MDT via Facebook, Twitter, and email.  Must be 18 years old to enter.  Winner's choice of one of my books or creative writing materials ships only to mainland United States.

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see."  [John Burrough]

In the interim, Happy Reading & Write On!

Sheila Fabulous

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Writing Techniques ~~ Writing a Successful Book Series

According to a poll conducted by Goodreads in 2015, more readers liked reading books that were part of a series than stand-alone books, although it was close. Knowing this, many writers embark on the road to writing a series.

The key to writing a successful book series is creating a believable world and lovable characters. Book series are popular IF readers fall in love with the characters. If readers love the characters, they will want to know more about them and their journeys in life.

Preplanning for a series is imperative. Before writing a series, a writer needs to do a lot of prework and answer a series of questions:

(1) Will the series be about the world where the characters live or about the characters and what happens to them? A writer should determine what the focus of the series will be. Consider the novels of James Michener that were long and could have been broken individual series. He wrote about places and the people who lived there. The characters came, changed the place, then died or moved on. The next characters in time came and picked up the story of the place. His focus was the world of his novels. The most successful series ever written was about the characters of Harry Potter and his friends. The wizarding world was an important element of the series, but the characters were the focus of the series.

(2) What is at the core of the series? An overarching antagonist or evil to be overcome should weave its way through the whole series. Harry Potter didn’t kill Voldemort in the first book; it took the whole series to bring him down. Smaller enemies and problems (subplots to the whole story) were resolved by the end of each book in the quest to take out Voldemort. The same can be said of the original Star Wars movies. The characters resolved battles by the end of each movie, but the overarching nemesis of the Empire wasn’t destroyed until the final movie.

(3) How does each book end? Don’t end the first or second book with a cliffhanger or end a book mid-scene. Each book should have its problems or issues (subplots) that are resolved by the final page, but leave the reader wondering if the final victory will be won. That’s what draws them into the next book.

(4) Where does the story take place? The writer must create the world where the characters live; not only create it but describe it in great detail. 

(a) Draw a map on paper. Find pictures of what the imagined world looks like and keep them close. 

(b) What does this world physically look like? 

(c) What kinds of people are in it, and how do they dress? 

(d) What are the ethics and beliefs of society? 

(e) What issues are facing the population? 

(f) Do they have enemies and allies?

(g) Who are the characters? All the characters must be defined before writing. What do they look like and how to they act? Who are their immediate family members, and how were they brought up? What notable physical traits and what special powers or skills do they have? What morals do they hold, and what would it take to push them outside of their beliefs?

(5) Whose point of view (POV) will be used? Most series are written in third-person limited to one or two characters’ POV unless the focus is on the place.

(6) When will the story end? Through the course of the series, the characters should move from their faulty beginnings to their new and improved selves. The best series have happily-ever-after endings. The reader can hope for the same.

Readers who like series generally waited until all the books in the series were out before starting the first one. Writing, then releasing two, three, or more books at once may seem intimidating. Releasing them one at a time may result in more sales after the last one comes out.

Please check out these helpful resources:

https://www.thebalance.com/writing-fiction-in-third-person-1277122

http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/2015/05/character-101-building-complex-interesting-memorable-characters/

http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/tips-on-world-building-for-writers-how-to-make-your-imaginary-world-real

I invite you to visit my website which has all my books and their links  www.cskjar.com 

                           

My blog is found at www.cskjar.com/blog

I’m on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cskjar/

I’m on Twitter at @cskjar

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you, Carol, for this well-crafted guest blog to assist writers who desire to author a series of books.

My friend and fellow author, C.S. Kjar, (pronounced "care") lives with her long-time first husband in their empty nest in Boise. She spent her life doing many different things. She’s been a stay-at-home mom, a teacher, a secretary, a statistician, a literacy tutor, a newsletter editor, a timber sale accountant, an archeological technician, and best and longest of all, a technical writer/editor.  

After retiring, Carol focused on writing fiction. Her novels are sweet and wholesome, suspenseful with a touch of romance. She has also written children's, middle age books, and one non-fiction book about quilting. When not writing or traveling with her husband, she loves to quilt, sew, read, draw, paint, and read to her grandsons.

For those of you so inclined, pick up your pen or sit down at your computer, and write on. Get that book series published!

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Winter Vacation ~~ The Perfect One Day Writing Getaway!

Phyllis Nettleton, Sheila Eismann, Carol Green, and JoEllen Claypool

Who are the four smiling authors in the featured photo? Why, they are none other than the co-founders of ICAN, i.e., Idaho Creative Authors Network who are getting reading to host their Second Annual Spring Writers Symposium on March 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Parma High School Commons Room, 137 Panther Lane, Parma, Idaho 83660. Actually, one of the reasons for their large smiles was the near 100 degree temperature on the date the photo was taken in July of 2016 compared to the teeth-chattering 29 degrees as I type this blog post . . .

Our group is pleased to offer opportunities for already published authors as well as those who are just entertaining the thought of writing.  Our event includes writing contests, writing instruction, writing activities, a networking luncheon, and hands on activities including designing a book cover. Plan to bring your laptops!

Workshop No. 1 will feature published author and Texas Writing Academy participant, Carol Green Kjar, who will be presenting techniques on how to add power to your writing and strengthening the overall process.

Workshop No. 2 will cover preparation of your manuscript and titles presented by conference speaker and inspirational author, Phyllis Nettleton.

Workshop No. 3  will be an interactive workshop with Sheila Eismann, author and publisher of soon to be 10 books, dealing with the many aspects of manuscript development.

Workshop No. 4 deals with a most important aspect of any kind of writing ~~ edit, edit, and still more edits presented by children's & inspirational author, JoEllen Claypool, who pastors Sand Hollow Baptist Church along with her husband, Dallas Claypool.

Workshop No. 5 is the grand finale which will include instruction on designing a book cover.  If you bring your laptop for the day, this workshop promises to be ultra instructional & functional taught by premiere Social Media Coach, Carol Green, a/k/a Running Granny Green, author of The Hard Run along with her children's books with the Gary Learns theme.

February 4th is the deadline to register for the Spring Writers Symposium and to enter the writing contests. Here is the Eventbrite link with all of the details and to register:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ican-spring-writers-symposium-and-writing-contest-2017-tickets-29596900125?aff=erelexpmlt

Your paid registration includes the workshops, writing contest submission, and luncheon catered by Laura McCullough, a Treasure Valley favorite.  She is back by popular demand of our former attendees!

Attending events is far more enjoyable if you plan to go with a friend or fellow writer.  So dial them up, plan to register, pack your laptop or memo pad, and join us for a fabulous day!

For additional information regarding ICAN, please check out our website: http://www.idahocreativeauthorsnetwork.com/

Happy Writing & stay warm, happy & healthy this winter!

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "His Paintbrush"

                                The serene evening sky
                                     flashed its pinks and blues,
                                 What a treat for my eyes
                                     as I fixated on the hues.

                                 The rose colored blend
                                      appeared to the left
                                  While the bluish-purple one
                                      veered to the right.
                                  I wondered if the neighbors
                                      had witnessed this glorious sight.

                                  The clouds appeared so 
                                       low on the horizon,
                                   I had to look carefully.
                                   It seemed as if they touched 
                                        the ground,
                                   But I knew that couldn't be.

                                   A perfect picture was framed
                                       with the clouds as a background,
                                   Dotted lush green landscapes
                                       and tall trees did abound.

                                   God must have used His paintbrush
                                       to decorate the big sky.
                                   I'm just thankful I saw it
                                       as I was leisurely driving by.


Photo credits ~~ Sharon Breshears Photography, Gooding, Idaho.  For a real treat, take a gander at Sharon's photo gallery on her Facebook page.  Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.breshears.1/photos_all

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

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Poetry & Prose ~~~ "Generations"

When my first generation began
           I have no clue,

Dwelling upon it now and then

            I certainly wish I knew.

Who married who

            and how did they become acquainted?

Was it love at first sight

            or a romance quite belated?

Where did they live

            and how did they get to the states?

Was it by air, land, or sea

            as they awaited their fates?

Were their life spans

            lengthy or short?

How many of their dreams

            did they have to abort?

Occupations, interests, and hobbies

            were probably quite varied.

If they were listed on a wall

            it probably couldn’t be carried.

God ultimately decided

            in which clan to place me.

My children and I would become

            part of my family tree.

Since He makes no mistakes,

            I’m exactly where I need to be.


~~ Excerpted from my newest book titled Poetry Time which is available on Amazon.com or in my Etsy shop.  Here is the Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/Poetry-Time-Inspirational-Collection-Traditional-ebook/dp/B01G7J4SSC/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8#nav-subnav

Do you like the black and white bead work ensemble featured at the top of this blog post?  I certainly do!  It was handcrafted by my fellow author, Carol M. Green, who is also a spectacular social media coach.  Speaking of Carol, she designed my fabulous blog page.  In terms of giftings and talents working their way down through the generations, here's a glimpse of Carol's siblings and what they do in their spare time ~~

Kaye is a seamstress and painter.

Bonnie fashions fused glass necklaces, stained glass windows, and lamps.

Barbara crafts crafts.

Ted was a portrait photographer.

Claire is a seamstress.

Carol's daughter, Marie, is also a seamstress and makes the cutest bags.

Carol's granddaughter, Maggie, is an artist who has illustrated two children's books titled Gary Learns to Skate and Gary Learns to Fish both of which can be found on Amazon.
Carol's sister, Judy, makes gorgeous items from leather such as this handcrafted checkbook cover.

Are you a runner in real life?  Please check out Carol's blog page http://runninggrannygreen.blogspot.com/.  She also completes custom orders for her beadwork, designs websites, and writes books!

I would be remiss if I did not mention my youngest granddaughter, Ali, who has started authoring the first book in her children's mystery series titled The Cupcake Thief.  Imagine this if you will ~~ Ali sits to my left in my little office and dictates as I type on my keyboard!  She will be the fourth published author on both sides of my family.  It all started with my paternal great aunt, Dr. Effie Mona Mack, who wrote the state history for the Nevada public schools. Maternal aunt, Fern Hunt, penned beautiful poetry. Yours truly is just about ready to release her tenth book, and Miss Ali Faith is hot on the mystery trail. My oldest daughter, Cathie Richardson, is a freelance artist and graphic designer whose work is featured in such books as The Christmas Tin. This wonderfully illustrated book encourages young children to prepare a small gift for someone who is not expecting it in order to bless them.  It reinforces the timeless message of love is the greatest gift of all.  Cathie's designs are featured in Fine Art America  http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/cathie-richardson.html

As you look back in your family tree what do you see?  There just might be some very pleasant surprises waiting there for you!  Inheritances are not always bank accounts, buildings, businesses or land.  Sometimes they manifest in the most amazing ways.  So, prepare to be amazed!

Happy Reading & Creating!

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A BusyYear for Idaho Creative Authors' Network ~~ (ICAN)

The Idaho Creative Authors Network has had a blessed this year as far as being able to make contacts and encourage others in their writing journeys. There are so many people out there that want to write but don’t know what the next step is!  Our friend, Phyllis, did a great job making a board that says: We Have Answers! And yes we do!  We can help writers become authors and it is such a great feeling – for us AND them!  Well, our year is not over. We have a lot coming up in the next six months so get your pens and calendars out now to write these upcoming events down.

NEXT WEEK:  Saturday August 6^th, the Idaho Creative Authors Network is hosting a Book Extravaganza at the Maple Grove Grange Hall in Boise, Idaho located at 11692 West President Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be close to 20 tables filled with over 50 books by local authors! We have been so fortunate to have the community provide venues for us to make ourselves known that we want to give back to the author community and let them have that same opportunity. 

NOVEMBER 5^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., we are hosting a Holiday Gift and Book Emporium at the Cloverdale Reception Center at 1200 N. Cloverdale Road in Boise, Idaho. This is a perfect time to come and pick up some unique Christmas gifts for those on your shopping list.

NOVEMBER 5^th is also our SECOND Annual Treasure Valley Writers’ Fest and Writing contest from 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the same Cloverdale Reception Center.  We have the privilege of having three special speakers: Award-winning author, Conda Douglas, will be speaking on Writing Short to Succeed, Author and Marketing Strategist, Angela Strong, will be helping us understand the Marketing process better and Senior Accountant, Jaime Redfern, will be helping us comprehend The Business Side of Writing. This is a first-class event you will NOT want to miss. Along with the speakers, the ICAN team will be sharing writing tips which will spark your interest to ask questions to our panel at the end of evening. We will have a beautifully catered meal as well as an awards ceremony for our writing contest winners. The deadline to send in your contest submission is October 1^st. Check out our Eventbrite link to see the categories and guidelines for the contest.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/treasure-valley-writers-fest-writing-contest-2016-tickets-24444492134

DECEMBER 10^th three of the ICAN members will be reading their children’s books at the Ontario Community Library at 388 SW 2^nd Avenue in Ontario, Oregon from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Sheila Eismann will be there to read her book, The Christmas Tin. Carol Green will be reading her book, Gary Learns to Skate, and I will be there to read my new children’s book The Battle for Christmas.  So be sure to bring your children and grandchildren! 

We look forward to seeing all of you and helping you along your writing journey!

Doing things the ICAN way – with a little bit of class and a little bit of style!

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Contributed by Guest Blogger and co-founder of Idaho Creative Authors' Network, JoEllen Claypool.

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