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Carol S. Mann
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Bits and Pieces
“if a man does not master his circumstances then he is bound to be mastered by them.”
― Amor Towles, A Gentleman in Moscow
Category Archives: Inspiration
Valet Wisdom & Writing
The other day while waiting for my car to be retrieved by a valet, another valet who was waiting for new arrivals engaged me in conversation. It was one of those quick philosophical talks about life, its whimsies, its tricks, … Continue reading
Posted in blogging, fiction writing, Finding Ideas: The Creative Process, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, personal essay, Reading, short story, Writing
Tagged Atropos, Carl Sandburg, chance, Circumstance, Clotho, Destiny, fate, Greek Mythology, Lachesis, life philosophy, luck, philosophy, The Three Fates, Thread of Life, Valet parking, What controls our fate?, What if ...
7 Comments
Painted Sounds – Writing About Art
Once a year the Palm Springs Branch of the National League of American Pen Women holds its annual program called Painted Sounds. The popular event actually begins several weeks prior when predetermined artists share their paintings online with the Branch membership. Pen … Continue reading
Posted in Books, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, poetry, Reading, Writing
Tagged A Quiet Mind, creativity, Desert Hot Springs, ekphrastic poetry, inspiration, NLAPW Palm Springs Branch, Painted Sounds, Poetry Foundation, poetry inspired by art, Renewal of Spirit, Sense of Wonder, Solace, Spa City Paletteers, Watercolor Art, Writing to Art
4 Comments
Marketing … And the Book Goes On
My husband created a book of original recipes for making chocolates called Anthony’s Chocolates On-the-Go, Done My Way. He felt making chocolates didn’t have to be a big, scary mystery with fancy, expensive equipment so he developed fail-safe recipes for success. … Continue reading
Posted in Authors, Books, Creativity, Finding Ideas: The Creative Process, Inspiration, Reading, Writing
Tagged advertise your book, Anthony's Chocolates On-the-Go, Being a chocolatier, book demonstrations, book expos, book faires, Book marketing ideas, book talks, chocolate truffles, chocolate turtles, holiday marketing of books, marketing your book, posters to advertise books
3 Comments
Kind is a four-letter word
I posted the image below on my facebook page because it spoke to me. I liked its whimsical feel, its innocence, its message. Kind is often used as an adjective to describe a person as in, She is a kind young … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, memoir, personal essay, Reading, Writing
Tagged Being kind, facebook postings about kindness, giving an act of kindness, inspiration, kindness, Northern Illinois University, random acts of kindness, receiving an act of kindness, spread kindness, World War II
7 Comments
Writers’ Workshops to the Rescue
I’m continually looking for writing tips, techniques, and approaches. I’m forever searching for ways to become a better writer and be inspired. Sound familiar? As a result, I attend conferences and workshops, read articles and books on writing, listen to speakers, … Continue reading
Posted in Authors, Creativity, fiction writing, Finding Ideas: The Creative Process, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, novel, Reading, short story, Writing
Tagged Author Elizabeth Sims, Developing a fictional character, Developing a fictional plot, editing your writing, perfectionism, Scene development in fiction, sequence in fiction writing, The short story, The Value of Writers' Workshops, Writer's Digest Magazine, You've Got A Book In You by Elizabeth Sims
4 Comments
Marketing Your Book – Again
Your book has been out for a while. What do you do now? How do you keep the marketing fresh? You do two things. You stick with what works and … you try something new. All Ways A Woman came out … Continue reading
Posted in Authors, blogging, Books, Creativity, Inspiration, poetry, Reading, Writing
Tagged Advertising your book, Art Fairs, Art Patron Magazine, Book - All Ways A Woman, Book Expos/Festivals, Keep your book marketing fresh, Laguna Beach, marketing your book, Merchandising your book, Palm Springs
6 Comments
The Art of the “Acrylic Pour”
It’s sometimes fun to venture out of your comfort zone and try something completely foreign. It may make you uncomfortable. It may even feel risky. On occasion, I take that step away from writing and try a new creative experience. … Continue reading
