Books | Cathy C. Hall Writes

When I typed in that post title, I thought of that childhood game “Duck, Duck, Goose.” And in a way, I found a few spots all about books for you to zip over to, click on, and then run back to whatever it was that you were doing before you dropped in here. So off we go!

At first, I thought the Gwinnett Library’s page over at Facebook wouldn’t have much significance for anyone but us Gwinettians. But then I had one of those aha! moments when I realized that ALL of my friends, wherever they are, can like this page and help our library get over 1600 Dummies books.

I’ve picked up a few of the Dummies books for the not-so-scathingly-brilliant Halls so I know how helpful these books can be. (Okay, okay. I read the Dummies books, too. Brilliance like this doesn’t grow on trees, you know.) And if your library is participating in the same promotion, let me know and I’ll happily like your page, too. Dummies books for everyone!

Now, a quick reminder that you can still comment to win Nava Atlas’ gem of a book, The Literary Ladies Guide to the Writing Life. I cannot guarantee that you will be a scathingly brilliant writer after reading this book, but I can say unequivocally that you will be the richer for the experience. Type your comment (with your fingers crossed) on this Hall of Fame post.

And now, for

all of you poetry enthusiasts (and I’m including myself here), you still have time to dash over to Donna’s Book Pub where she’s giving away Tanka Moments: A Man’s Journey by David Lee Kirkland. She’s shared a few tanka (just in case you need a little refresher, and I’m including myself here, also, on what exactly a tanka is).

Speaking of the wise and witty Donna, she’s bequeathed upon me one of the inaugural Sisters of the Quill Awards. As such, I have been recognized as a quill-driver, a writer, a scribe, and let’s see…oh, yes! A schrivener and an author worthy of recognition. That’s very humbling, isn’t it? I had no idea I was all that. But on the other hand, who am I to argue with the wise and witty Donna? Stay tuned for whom I pass the award on to next.

As you can see, Gladys, my muse of a goose, popped in today because she thought we’d be playing games and talking about her. It’s scathingly brilliant books, books, books, and an award, you silly goose. And now, isn’t it time you dashed off yourself?

So, I spent a glorious weekend day, spring-cleaning in the yard. And then off I went to spend a few days watching a Junior Hall gloriously smacking a golf ball around. I did not take Precious The Laptop with me, figuring it would just be a few days. I did, however, take a book called The Writing and Critique Group Survival Guide along for the ride. Upon my return, I learned a few things.

Thing One:

Even if you have a critique group (or maybe more than one critique group), you can still learn a thing or two from The Writing and Critique Group Survival Guide. And by a thing or two, I mean LOTS of things or two. This little gem of a book is full of helpful tips and information, worksheets and samples. Which is fabulous for me, because I’m the kind of person who learns best with samples and examples. Sure, I could sit and ponder it all out but it’s so much clearer when I have someone like Becky Levine (the author) spelling it out for me. Best of all, it’s for every kind of writer/critique group–magazine articles, memoirs, children’s picture books or cozy mysteries– you’ll find something to improve your writing and your critiquing.

I happened to win this book at a recent SCBWI event, but I think I’ll get another one to keep as a critique group copy. Then, when we get off track or have a problem, we can just open the book to such-and-such page and pass it around. So much better than having to tell Betty Sue (or um, Cathy C.) to get with the program.

Thing Two:

Sometimes, it’s nice to leave the material world behind. And by material world, I mean Precious The Laptop. You might be surprised at the things you’ll find when you leave material things behind (which makes me think of one of my favorite songs by Michael Card: Things We Leave Behind). However, what you’ll find when you come back to the real world is a bit of catching up to do, especially in things like newsletter emails and blogs and social networking news. Sometimes, it’s best to just move on rather than try to catch up. (I’ll be visiting blogs and posting, soon!)

Thing Three:

Even if a day is glorious, and it’s the very first day that one works in the yard, and even if one takes all kinds of precautions, one can STILL find a patch of poison ivy popping out on a forehead. In that case, one must just be grateful for the little things in life. Like bangs.