All In A Day! by DL Larson

Thursday is my day off. Thursday is my day to blog. Thursday is my day to run errands. And Thursday is my day to take my grandson to his horse riding lessons. I usually end each Thursday with one of two things: a church meeting or going to the local tavern for their Thursday night chicken special.

Today, I added one more thing. I had a writers workshop for a group of 5th and 6th graders at their school. The 9:00 a.m. schedule had me fearing I'd over sleep. But I made it in plenty of time. I never know what I'm walking into with a classroom setting. Some kids are genuinely excited to see me, others think it will be boring and their faces convey that to me. I hope I didn't disappoint anyone, especially the doubting ones.

I learned something new today. The 5th and 6th grade kids were not familiar with Harry Potter. I usually use this story to break down plot, characters, setting, etc. When we started this section of the workshop, blank looks filled the students' faces. They didn't know Harry's closest friends. They didn't know the bad guys. I was surprised. As a children's librarian I shouldn't have been so shocked. Harry has not left the shelves for a while now.

I needed a new connection with the kids. The class teacher, Lori Safranek, explained they were in the middle of reading the book, Wonder, by R.J. Palacio. Thankfully I have read Wonder. 

We proceeded with Wonder, the story of Augie, a fifth grader who has physical deformities. He goes to school for the first time in his life. Every day he encounters many things, rudeness being one of the nicer things that happens to him. But Augie won't give up. He wants a normal life like a normal ten year old boy.

This book turned out to be a great example for breaking down plot, learning what it takes to make a character real, etc. The kids got involved and that's what counted.

After my workshop, it was time for Colton's horse lessons. Then back home to playing with Thomas the Train and watching Planes. After my grandson's visit, I was ready for a nap. It's cold and dreary out, and did I mention I have a bum foot these days? I should prop it up. I also have judging to do for the Four Season Writers Contest. Judging is due next week and I'm far from done. My church meeting begins in seventy minutes.

I've realized Thursday is my busiest day of the week. I always think I will catch up on my writing, get the laundry done and maybe some cleaning. Okay, no cleaning ... but the day flies by in blur. My list of Things To Do never enters my mind.

I've decided my priorities need re-arranging for Thursdays. From this day forward, I declare Thursday, my day to do what I want! I intend to scratch my expectations of doing laundry on Thursdays. Cleaning has already been booted off the list, and my writing may suffer neglect on Thursdays, but that's okay too. I will try my best to blog each Thursday, but if you do not see my post, know that I am out living my life, doing things I need and want to do. Like horse back riding lessons, playing with Thomas the Train and watching Planes.

Til next time ~

DL Larson
www.DLLARSON.com

Staying In Touch With Readers! by DL Larson

Although I don't have a new book out, I was invited to the Oswego Literary Festival at the Oswego Library on October 3rd. I debated whether I should go or not. I've nothing new or exciting to add to my collection of books, but I went anyway ... to keep my name and face in view of the public.

Pictured with me is Luisa Buehler, a cozy mystery writer. I met Luisa many years ago at a Windy City RWA meeting. Luisa has sold a lot of books over the years. She is well known in the Chicago area and beyond! We had a great time chatting and I'm always glad to sit by someone so knowledgeable about the writing field. Check out Luisa's home page and her Grace Marsden Mystery Series at: http://luisabuehler.com/

These two ladies were at the Oswego Lit Fest as well. On the left, is Nicole Lieren, with her debut novel, More Than One Night.Visit Nicole at https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/9148502-spotlight-and-guest-post-nicole-lieren-author-of-more-than-one-nighthttps://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/9148502-spotlight-and-guest-post-nicole-lieren-author-of-more-than-one-night 

On the right, is NY Best Selling Author Denise Swanson. Visit Denise at: http://www.deniseswanson.com/ These gals are active members of the Windy City RWA as well. And it was great to see their smiling faces throughout the day.

As a librarian, I know attending Literary Festivals is great publicity for an author, but not the best in making sales. And that's okay. A festival gives readers an idea of the many talented authors in their area. Plus readers have the chance to discover new writers they may not have noticed before. They have the opportunity to chat with authors and better understand the hard work that goes into being a writer.

I'm glad I took the time to attend the festival. A BIG thank you to the Oswego Public Library and to the Village of Oswego Cultural Arts Commission for hosting the event.

Til next time ~

DL Larson

www.DLLARSON.com

Through Someone Else's Eyes

Last night I brought the first page of my thriller, with the working title of Wide Awake, to be critiqued by my RWA Chapter, and I'm glad I did. It's amazing how everything that seemed so clear to me confused the other members.

Fortunately, I now know what to do to remedy the problem. Goes to show, it really helps to get fresh eyes looking over a manuscript.

I suggest you find at least a few people who are willing to start you out in the right direction, even if they don't have the time to read your entire manuscript. It will make all the difference!

Find all of my completed books at http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel and
also excerpts and links at http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com
Join me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com.morgan.mandel


 
 
 
 
 
If you don't yet have your free copy of my first thriller, Two Wrongs, the ebook version is still available on Amazon at:http://amzn.com/B006LSE4FC and is also free at most other venues.

Biltmore Estate by Margot Justes

I just returned from visiting the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, and I thought I'd share a few pictures with you. It is reputed to be the largest 'house' in the country with 255 rooms. The place is worth a visit, or two, or three...I'm heading back in November for their Christmas celebrations. 

Cheers,

Margot  Justes

Blood Art

A Fire Within

A Hotel in Paris

A Hotel in Bath

A Hotel in Venice

www.mjustes.com