Don’t hate me because it’s true. Settle down. Read on. You’ll see why writing conferences… (and most conferences in general) are like beauty pageants. To lend a little credence to this post, I’ll add that I’ve participated in two pageants and watched many, many others. I served as a Fair Court Princess and Miss Teen Rodeo WA 2005. I’ve even judged three pageants and coached several young girls through the process. 1. Your smile is everything. Not just your smile, but the genuine emotion behind it. Going through the stressful days of a pageant/conference is so much more bearable with a smile. So show off those pearly whites. 2. Your schedule...
Rodeo season never ends
I don’t want it to end—the sights, the smells, the feel of dirt in the air. Luckily, these photographs only serve as inspiration behind each novel idea or character. What comes to mind when you see these two photos? I just love that grey horse—and he could really fly around that arena. I love the pride of the queen’s face as well. She represented her rodeo well. I love this chestnut’s face, with that round nose and docile eyes. He had a look of experience and knowing about him that not all horses inherently possess. Your thoughts?
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Guest Post: The Rider on the White Horse
My older sister and her friends would watch through the screened door onto the backyard roaring in laughter as I ran my course, my homemade yarn tail flowing in the wind as I sailed over the jumps. As an 8 year old I managed to get my hands on a VHS tape of a freestyle dressage performance. I would get up before school to watch and cry as the movements of the horse and rider went perfectly with the music. In our house, we weren’t allowed to have pets so I became one. My name is Andra and I am a horse. My mother encouraged me to attempt other hobbies....
Book Review: Unending Devotion
Description: Lily Young longs to find her lost sister or will die trying. Heedless of any danger, she searches logging camps and towns, posing as a photographer’s assistant. And then she arrives in Harrison, Michigan–and the sights of Connell McCormick. Connell is determined to increase the fortune of his lumber-baron father and figures as long as he’s living an upright life, that’s what matters. But when Lily arrives in town she upends his world, forcing him to confront the truth that dangerous men have gained too much power while good men turn a blind eye. Vexing but persuasive, Lily soon secures Connell’s help, drawing them ever closer to each other....
Why Evernote is Perfect to Organize Your Double-Life
We all know it’s true. You go to work and pretend to be one person, but once 5:oo hits, you’re out the door and onto pursing your other dreams—riding, writing, reading, scrapbooking, or even swordmaking. It’s okay. There are others out there just like you. Do you have troubles keeping your two lives straight? I do. Well, I did. I thought it fitting to talk about this on Labor Day – finding a way to make your life a little less laborious… 😉 Last year, I discovered Evernote, a free application for your computer, tablets, smartphones and even paper notebooks. This is easily the most accessible, comprehensive and amazing app...