Finding Something Friday: Books, Books, Books, Award!

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?

Finding Something Friday on Poetry! Contests! Polar Bears!

First, a little poetic inspiration to get you primed and ready to write:

I love myself, I love me so!
I took myself to the picture show.
I wrapped my arms around my waist.
I got so fresh, I slapped my face!

Hahahaha! I wish I could claim that, but it’s one of my mom’s jewels from back in the day. If I could use that little poem, I might send it in to one of the poetry contests I’m considering. To wit:

The Poetry Society of Virginia’s Contest (Deadline: January 19)

The North Carolina Poetry Society’s Adult Contest (Deadline: January 15)

The Pennsylvania Poetry Society Contest (Deadline: January 15)

Now, if I’m being perfectly honest, my poetry skills are not exactly scathingly brilliant. But I do so love poetry. Or at least the poetry I understand.

I love the way a lyrical poem makes words sing. And I love how images spring into my mind when I hear a poem read aloud. I can appreciate the wonder of a beautifully wrought poem, even if I can’t exactly wrought one up for myself.

But that doesn’t keep me from trying. And with the entry fees for these contests, I can afford to send my pitiful poems out into the world. Because …

I love my poems. I love them so!
The ones of joy, the ones of woe.
I send them out all over the place-
Makes judges want to slap my face!

(P.S. About the Polar Bears. Um, that was a shameless ploy on my part to grab folks who like Polar Bears and convince them to follow my blog. I’m not sure if Polar Bear lovers would enjoy a blog about writing and such, but who doesn’t like winning a Barnes and Noble gift card? Of course, you can’t win if you don’t sign on to be a follower. Or get your friends to sign on as a follower. I mean, if you get 20 of your friends to sign on here, that gives you 20 entries. Just make sure your friends let me know. And if you’re a rabid Polar Bear lover who feels shamelessly manipulated, I’m very sorry. I could write you a swell poem if that will make you feel better.)