Nuggets

I am at the library. I sit on a tall retro stool at a tall stainless-steel table. My notebooks are open, laptop fired up and ready to serve...

Read about my experience at the library, over on the Rose & Thorn Journal blog.

Next, the warm and wise Ana Gonçalves shares how each moment is an opportunity at Pursuing Life, the new blog I recently started with my dear friend and best cohort. Please go read Ana's insightful words, and say hello.

Also, to leave you with a resounding quote:

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Have a wonderful weekend!

Debuts and a Query Call!

Today is the official release of my friend (and birthday buddy!) Jody Hedlund's debut novel, THE PREACHER'S BRIDE. It's historical Christian romance (Bethany House), and it's wonderfully written with a strong and relevant message--STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE.
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This is the first of Jody's three-book contract from Bethany House, and it's only the beginning of her success!
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Go to any major bookstore (or visit Amazon) and buy your copy today. I know I'll treasure mine.
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Also released today is Christine Fonseca's EMOTIONAL INTENSITY IN GIFTED STUDENTS. I'll be buying it not just as a writer friend and supporter, but as the mom of a gifted child. What an important resource this will be! Christine is an expert, a warm soul, and a champion of gifted kids everywhere.
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For anyone who bristles at the term "gifted"--because aren't all children special?--know that I do, too. I use it sparingly, especially with my daughter, but it's the term recognized by educators and organizations in our country. It's a term used for children who may excel wonderfully in some areas but not all, and whose minds need creative and alternative methods of learning. Emotional Intensity is a spot-on topic to cover, and I was thrilled when news of Christine's book came out, because it's something my husband and I deal with in our daughter. (And it's something my husband has to deal with in me. Poor guy...)
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So there you have it, both a fiction and non-fiction title to seek. Aren't they both just beautiful covers? Go! Buy! Read!
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Also, regarding that QUERY CALL I mentioned... I've a friend who is soon launching the first issue of his brand new high school sports-themed magazine, and is looking for future content! He'd like articles with general content, ie. Is Cheerleading a Sport?; Drugs in High School Sports; Injuries in Our Players, etc... If you're interested in writing for this upstart, contact me for more info, and I can put you in touch with the publisher. Send an inquiry e-mail to jannawritesATyahooDOTcom. Thanks!
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And last, but maybe not least, I've a book review and author feature up at ROSE & THORN LITERARY JOURNAL blog. Check it out!
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And have a fantastic weekend.

Rose & Thorn Literary Journal

Rose & Thorn seeks to bring the voices of emerging and established writers to a discerning audience. We strive to reflect a diversity of style, content, and perspective in the short-fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry showcased each quarter in Rose & Thorn Journal.

from the R&T website

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Sound like a fit for your writing? Rose & Thorn is now taking submissions for the Fall issue. Visit their website to get a feel for the publication, and to find out more.

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While you're there, see my post at the R&T Blog.

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Last month I accepted a staff writing position! I'm so excited about this new endeavor, and hope you'll like my first article, It's Like a Game, about characterization.

Rose & Thorn Literary Journal

Friends and writers Angie Ledbetter (resident Gumbo Writer) and Kathryn Magendie (she of Tender Graces) have been busy ladies of late. As Co-Editors/Publishers of Rose & Thorn Journal, an online literary offering, they've been tweaking and reworking and beautifying its site. Now, after all their hard work, it's ready to launch in its new and dazzling form!

Please visit today (or any day, really) for their grand Open House. You can sign up for their newsletter, have a little looksee in all its nooks and crannies, find out about the writing they'll feature, and more! I know they'd love having you by.

Thank you!