Just For Fun | Cathy C. Hall Writes

You know how sometimes you send a story in, wait forever for it to be accepted, then pow! Just like that, it’s in your mailbox!

Well, this is not one of those times. But I did find a book in my mailbox this week. After months and months of changes, Silver Boomers was finally published and sent out to authors. If you want to check it out, I’m afraid you’ll have to order a copy from Amazon. Unless you happen to know one of the authors, like Cathy C. Hall. Otherwise, you’ll just have to take my word that it’s chock full of interesting essays, intriguing fiction and lots of poetry that I don’t quite understand. But don’t let that deter you. There’s lots of poetry I don’t get.

What I do get, thanks to Lookybook, is a chance to read picture books without having to buy them first! Lookybook is a website where registered users can flip the pages of any number of picture books. It’s sort of a look before you buy site, without having to leave the comfort of your chair. So if you’re a librarian, wanting to purchase books, or a godparent, looking for that special book for a child, you can check out the book in its entirety and then place an order.

Of course, there’s lots of other reasons why you might be interested in finding Lookybook. I like that I can take a look at a ton of children’s books without having to check them out and pay the fine because I’ve forgotten the due date. And if you’re a children’s book author, it’s a great promotional tool.

Take a look at Lookybook here to see what I mean. Too bad you can’t click on the pages of Silver Boomers to see what’s inside. But if you’re anything like Sally, you’ll love it!

I found something totally cool today, thanks to Sandy at Cool Stuff 4 Writers dropping her newsletter into my inbox.

HBO and the U.S. Postal Service have teamed up to bring you an opportunity to receive a free e-card. Why HBO? Because John Adams is an HBO Film, which you can watch this month, assuming you get HBO. Unfortunately, Mr. Hall’s beneficence doesn’t extend to providing that particular premium cable service at our house. But I’m sure I’ll rent the movie someday.

And why would I watch the movie John Adams? Because I’m a bit of a history geek. And because John Adams was a prolific letter writer, whose letters to his wife Abigail provide an invaluable glimpse into colonial America and our early history.

I love getting letters, don’t you? There’s something extra special about the written word. And you can get a totally cool card (FREE!) to send as your next letter if you check out this website. You can also enter a sweepstakes for a free trip to Colonial Williamsburg. And even though I’ve been there, I’d happily go again if I won. Not so sure Mr. Hall would go with me, but that’s another story.

Speaking of another story, maybe you can come up with a good one for this month’s Cool Contest challenge over at Cool Stuff 4 Writers. Check out the details here and enter for a chance to win 25 bucks.

So there you go. Fame and Fortune on Friday. And something tells me the beneficent Mr. Hall is going to a get a very cool card in the mail very soon. Even if I can’t get HBO.