ANOTHER NICE SURPRISE . . . PUBLICATION WISE

My essay, "The Trees of Mississippi: A Strange and Bitter Crop" appears in the latest issue of Arkana: A literary journal of mysteries and marginalized voices (Issue #8 / April 28, 2020).  If that alone wasn't cause for celebration, the essay was also selected as the winner of the Arkana Editor's Choice Award in Creative Nonfiction.  Talk about a nice surprise!

In addition to reading the essay, you have have the option of listening to me read it.  Reading my nonfiction isn't my strong suit, but I think I deserve a few points for effort.  Besides, how will I ever get better if I'm not willing to take the risk of putting myself out there and being, well, less than great? LOL  😄

The pics feature here are of some of the trees I saw on my last visit to Water Valley, Mississippi.  All, but one of the photos, captures trees I spotted on land owned by my family--The Hawkins.  

The Second Time Around . . . For "A Lesson In Failure"

Yes, it's true.  My essay "A Lesson In Failure" was selected for another book in the CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL series.  Look for copies of THE MAGIC OF MOMS at your local Target, Wal-mart, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million--basically, most places where books are still being sold (also check online).  

Add Chicken Soup For The Soul's THE MAGIC OF MOMS to your Mother's Day shopping list.  A portion of the royalties will be donated to charity.

**Previously, "A Lesson In Failure" appeared in Chicken Soup's  BEST ADVICE I EVER HEARD.**

And The Third Place Award Goes To . . .

Yes, my essay "Loss Of Contact" won 3rd Place in the CWC Nonfiction Contest for 2020! (CWC = Charlotte Writers' Club)

The contest judge, Charles Israel, Jr. (a writing instructor at Queens University of Charlotte) said the following about 
Loss of Contact:

"This writer captures our loss of friends in an intriguing and novel way--through the symbol of address books.  How do we deal with the passing of time, as friends--and ourselves--move away and indeed, move on?  This essay gives us a subtle, witty, and poignant answer.  And this writer knows how to take care of her reader: she will pause to address us directly, as our friends do in real life."--Charles Israel, Jr.--