I Changed my Mind -- by KittyCat

We have two alleys. One, the alley to our side of the street, runs behind the house. Another one is beside our house, cuz the houses in front of it, really big houses, are Julian Boulevard houses. Ya, it's "boulevard," not plain old street. Julian Boulevard gets two whole roads going in different directions, with a park between them. Most  the people are real nice, but some are worse snobs than Soook. She lives, ... oh, excuse me, resides, on Julian Boulevard.

I haven't seen "Doggie" all week. I'll bet she pooped on a Julian Boulevard neighbor's grass and got herself arrested by the animal police. If dogs are gonna poop in Julian Boulevard yards, they should take a lesson from cats--cover their pies. And you'd think they'd learn the guys in that white truck aren't trying to catch them so they can show off in a fancy dog show.

Mom wouldn't call the police on a dog with bad manners. But she mostly wears jeans. The big house people are usually in suits. What if someone stepped it a pie and got their shoes dirty, or slipped on it and got... ha, ha, they wouldn't look too spiffy, and for sure, they'd smell worse.

Even before I noticed the dog gone, I decided not to run away. I was headed for Lubbock, Texas, where there's a hot little number named L'il Bit. But I heard cuz Texas is so dry right now, the rattlers have gobbled up mice like crazy, and what they don't get, the coyotes do. Besides, I might die of thirst before I got hungry--the deer and antelope lap up all the water they can find. On top of that, some of the wild grass is so dry and stiff, it can cut you. To make it worse, some plants grab your fur. They have stickers that hang on to the fur between your toes, and it hurts like crazy. I know, cuz I got into them once in our alley.

Another reason to stay: Snook, Mom's "precious niece kitty," was ready to horn in and take over my house. I was out checking to see if that dog was really gone when Aunt Pen, wanting to clean house, dropped Snook off here for the afternoon. I saw Auntie's car and raced into the house. Too late. Snook had already found the good-buy blog I was writing. She put a PS on it toward the bottom of the page. I guess she figured I wouldn't see it after she moved the page back to where I had it. She wrote:

"PS.": Undoubtedly KittyCat said he was "red faced" last week because he couldn't think of, much less spell embarrassed. Also you can guess his book of "pomes" requires more editing than the correction of one misspelled word." And she went on and on.

One of these days I'll get a runny nose at just the right time, and I'll blow snot all over her. Ha, ha, instead of being Snobby Snook, she'll be Snotty Snook. Then who will be red faced? Oh, guess that's embarrassed.

(c) 2012, Bernice W. Simpson

Writing Conferences: Your chance to pitch

Daylight Saving Time. Although it's not yet spring officially, DST reminds us that summer days are just ahead. As you changed your clocks this weekend, did that activity signal "time to plan for summer?"

Writers conferences and summer go together like symphony galas and winter. For writers, especially those who need a push to finish a project, the thought of an upcoming conference is as welcoming as spring's first buds.  Perhaps looking forward to an exciting event is all the impetus you need to complete your book.

Imagine the opening social. Imagine conversing with an established author, who, like you, decided to write for publication, set goals,and invested in them. You can relate to the author who persevered and made it. Imagine that well-known author's blurb on the back cover of your book. What if that author invites you to rehearse your pitch to his or her empathetic ear before you must jump in with the real thing to an agent or publisher the next day?

The pitch. That's often the main reason authors attend a conference. The pitch is one of the most important pages of writing you'll ever do. Now is the time to prepare the pitch: to write it, read it, time it, polish it, memorize it, and then rehearse it until your two-minute speech sounds natural.

Perhaps you are months behind on the schedule you set for yourself, and have noting to pitch. If that's the case, and your writing group is hosting an annual workshop, plan to pitch in. It's your chance to make friends with members you're barely acquainted with. It's your chance to be a friend to the committee that has worked on behalf of your organization to make the event a success.

Years ago, a writer told me, "if you have nothing to pitch, you're spending money on a glorified pep rally. That's a good enough point--if you don't like pep rallies. Glancing back to school days, however, if you weren't part of the "in crowd," here's your chance to be a cheer leader.

-  -  -  -  -

Panhandle Professional Writers hosts an annual weekend conference, Frontiers in Writing. Unlike that of previous years, 2012's Frontiers in Writing will not feature agents or publishers in its speakers' line-up. With self-publishing a growing option for writers, this year's emphasis is on learning. Regardless of how authors plan to publish their work, Frontiers in Writing will help them produce well-crafted prose or poetry, and offer information on copyright law and the publishing industry.

For information of the June 29-30 conference, see Panhandle Professional Writers' website www.panhandleprowriters.org.

(c) 2012, Bernice W. Simpson

Sonja Gross: a tribute to her mother

“Normally I love roller coasters,” Sonja begins in her latest blog http://hoppinthoughts.blogspot.com, but in comparing her life to a roller coaster, she says she is ready for less twists and turns than she has experienced this past year.

Sonja Gross on a roller coaster? Yes, but she referred more to her exhilaration than the sudden dives after climbs to ever higher peaks. This week two events mark the beginning of her most recent climb: Sonja was named as a 2012 Woman to Watch by Texas Business Women of Amarillo, and today as Amarillo’s Community Relations Coordinator, she begins a new job.

Sonja, who credits her mother for the recognition and success she has earned, gave me permission to share part of her mother’s story in my blog. The following is from Sonja’s speech, The Wind beneath My Wings.   

"The reason my mother is “The Wind Beneath My Wings” from a career standpoint, has a lot to do with my father. In 1976, my dad left a career as a truck driver in Iowa and moved the family to Atlanta, Georgia where he was promised a management job with Harper Brush Company. I was only 7 years old and I remember my mom selling most of the family belongings in a yard sale. So, when we got to Georgia, we didn’t have much—I remember sleeping on mattresses laid out on the floor.

'A full framed bed wasn’t the only thing we didn’t have. That job my dad was promised didn’t turn out as expected. As a result, my dad, along with a lot of help from my mother, stated Commercial Broom Supply, a janitorial service and supply company. They really struggled at first, but with everyone pitching in, especially my mom, they somehow made it work. My mom handled the bookwork duties, made mops using a dangerous machine with sharp wires and even sold brooms on the sidewalks in downtown Atlanta.

'When the computer age really took over the workplace in the early 80’s, my mom bought an IBM PC Junior against my dad’s will and taught herself everything about it. She learned how to design an accounting program for the company and later learned the ins and outs of QuickBooks. She did all of this and more on top of cleaning buildings at night, apartments during the day and raising a family, to boot.

'Those are just some of the reasons my mother is “The Wind Beneath My Wings.” The number one reason my mom is “The Wind Beneath My Wings,” though, is that she taught me how to work. She taught me that, like her, I could learn how to do so many things on my own—be self-sufficient. She instilled in me a work ethic, a sense of self-worth and a great sense of humor.

'For those reasons, and more, I will be eternally grateful to my mother as she is 'The Wind Beneath My Wings.'”

Learn more about Sonja on her blog: http://hoppinthoughts.blogspot.com

Below (on the left) is Sonja’s mother with Sonja’s older brother and sister making mops.

Still Cogitating -- by KittyCat

Mom said the crocus flower is Manitoba’s flower, and it’s tough. I believe that. Last week, I flattened a bunch of those flowers in front of the house cuz I was mad at Mom. By the time I sat on the last one, the first clump was standing up again. What I got for all that work was a tired-all-over feeling. I jumped up into a plant container where passing dogs wouldn’t see me stretched out there—the perfect place to plan my runaway trip.

Except for the odd can rolling in the street, or plastic bags flapping against tree branches, it was real quiet. In a few minutes, cars driving past our house sounded like they were on nearby street, and then on blocks far away.

Yikes! I woke up shivering, not from the cold, but from the loud bark of a dog. He’s come down to our place before, and bothered me when I was in my chair on the porch. I guess he could see Mom through the window so didn't come real close. That time I stood up, looking like a mean Halloween cat. He kept barking, but did back up. This time, he was a foot from the planter, and could easily reach the top of it with his front paws. If I ran, he could catch me. If I tried to leap to the porch, he could get me as I stood and turned to spring.

“Listen, doggie, you’re being naughty.” It was Mom’s voice.

Suddenly, I was my fierce self--an African cat who could scare a pack of hyenas with a half growl. I stood and hissed while the beast bounded after a piece of chicken Mom threw across the lawn. Of course I intended to outrun the brute, and grab the chicken, but Mom had a treat-sized piece for me in her hand. Mom picked me up. “Doggie” had wolfed down the chicken before we reached the front door. Mom threw another piece in Doggie’s direction, and still holding me, opened the door and went in the house.

Fuming, I had to come up with a plot. Before I run away, I gotta teach Doggie a lesson. He wrecked my runaway plans (well, my almost plans). He downed a chicken breast in two gulps—more chicken than I've had in my whole life. But the most unforgivable is he left me red-faced (except it didn't show under my fur). What great savanna cat wants to be rescued by a puny human? It was my mom, a graying granny, right in the front yard where the whole neighborhood, including Doggie, could see and wag about it.

(c) 2012, Bernice W. Simpson

Your Time to Shine: Appropriate Attire When Marketing Your Book

Are you ready to take center stage?  When a publisher accepts your book, you must move into the spotlight. Perhaps spotlight is a bit dramatic, but you will leave your computer for a more public arena to market your masterpiece.

Marketing is business. While writing in your faded jeans or discount store cotton flannels, did you forget the term business dress? What will you wear to your signings, presentations, and other events? Does it matter?

Yes. Your clothing makes a statement about you. What do you want it to say? For example, what do jeans say?  Jeans match a western author’s genre, or how-to books on hunting or fishing. But if jeans don’t somehow tie into the book’s subject, they could send this message: “I’m not a business professional, and after all, it’s Saturday afternoon.”  

Treat all forms of publicity like a job, and remember the cliché: “dress for the job you want.” A civic club’s program chair could pick up your card from the signing table. A pressed shirt, creased pants, and polished shoes tell him or her you will not show up at their lunch meeting in athletic shoes and a tee-shirt removed from the dryer after wrinkles have set. Of course, when that program chair calls you, it’s still smart to ask questions about what their speakers usually wear.

In preparation for a talk, questions concerning appropriate dress are as important as learning about the microphones and other needed equipment at the meeting site. But the answers you receive may be incorrect. A group’s membership may be large, but their all-volunteer board can change from year to year. If a spokesperson tells you casual dress is fine, what exactly does that mean? And do that person’s standards reflect the membership at large?

At the Saturday meetings of the Panhandle Professional Writers, for example, probably half in attendance wear the Texas weekend uniform—jeans and a casual shirt. Chris Stewart, a copyright attorney who has spoken at several meetings, always arrives in business dress—a dark suit, light-colored dress shirt, tie, and dark lace-up shoes. Conversely, the attire of a recent speaker fit right in—neat enough, clean-looking, but ultra casual. She delivered an excellent workshop; nonetheless, certain members expect a level of professionalism that at least includes what is known in the business world as business casual. For some the perception of super casual translates to a lack of respect.

When speaking to a group, conservative dress is a wise choice. Women have more latitude than men.  They can choose between a knee-length skirt or slacks, and often pantsuit or pants worn with a classy sweater set. But women must be careful not to fall into a fashion trap. Ruffles, a tight fit, or low-cut necklines, send the wrong message.  Also, women should be aware of what distracts their audience. You want listeners to remember you, not your swinging necklace, floating fabric, or sequined material.

According to studies by Dr. Albert Mehrabian at UCLA, nonverbal communication is more important than our words. What that means to you: what you wear helps you sell yourself, which helps you sell your books. And that's what you want, isn't it?

(c) 2012, Bernice W. Simpson

Write Your Story

She’s a quiet, gentle person—a single mom who puts in overtime to pay for extras, like a trip to visit her married daughter.

Since school days, she has written poetry and short stories, but never her story.

The settings in her story include a houseboat and a private island. How's this for exuberant moments? A swim—with a dolphin—in the Mediterranean. Speaking of activities further north, she mentions drinking hot chocolate in the Austrian mountains.

This Amarillo writer, whose shyness belies the adventures, financial reversals, and family drama she’s experienced, casually asked if her life could make an interesting story.

What a question! Yes, my sweet, unpretentious friend, start writing now. You'll have the support of Amarillo's writing community. Some of us, now called "seniors," want to be around to help with your book launch, too. 

And to all the "maybe I could..." writers out there. Simply start. Write about a memorable experience. If your story has heart, an online or local writing group will help you fine tune your prose. If you can't find a group, contact me. 

And if you are a reader who can offer encouragement for my friend, or other would-be writers, please share them. 

(c) 2012 Bernice W. Simpson

I Could Run Away -- by KittyCat

I didn’t write Monday cuz Mom hogged the computer—all day. Then, on Tuesday, she stuffed the office full of clutter junk, and closed the door so the FABS (Four Active Brains group) would think the house was nice and clean. She finally opened the door today, got Monster, the vacuum cleaner from its hiding place, and now she really is cleaning house.

Last week, my friend, (well, sometimes we’re friends) Snook, came over with Aunt Pen. Snook said Auntie read that Mom’s fixing my pomes, and plans to sell them.  I didn’t believe it, but then I saw this from last year:

 A Cat in the Corner: Conversations Overheard in a Writers’ Group is primarily a gift book for writers. The concept: KittyCat, ignored by humans, has eavesdropped on a critique group’s meetings. Now, in light verse, he spills what he’s heard, including confidential whispered asides.

The book addresses the practical—what writers need to know, from manuscript preparation to marketing. It exposes the emotional—how writers react to situations, from criticism received to sales made. And it covers the relational—how writers relate to group members as well as business professionals.

Best of all, it entertains. KittyCat celebrates members’ joyful announcements, snickers at caustic comments, and ridicules writers’ frustrations with equal gusto. Occasionally the little snoop punctuates his tattling with thoughts of his own. Nobody has had more belly laughs over the serious business of writing than KittyCat, and he’ll share the fun with all who peruse the A Cat in the Corner: Conversations Overheard in a Writers’ Group.

I’m so ticked at Mom for stealing my pomes, I’m halfway thinking maybe I’ll run away. The last time I ran away ...

Well, for now I’ll just go outside and sit on crocus flowers Mom’s real proud of and cogitate.