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Carol S. Mann
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Bits and Pieces
“He knew everyone had flaws. People fell from grace all the time. But some people fell further than others.” From “Ferrelli’s Fall” (Creek Songs).
Category Archives: Looking for Inspiration
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
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
How do you feel about birthdays?
How do you feel about birthdays? Reactions seem to depend on where you are on the age spectrum. You may be happy about a birthday. You may be happy but feeling a bit depressed. You may be happy but can’t help … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, personal essay, Writing
Tagged age, Aging, Being authentic, birthday cards, birthday milestones, birthday parties, Birthday traditions, birthdays, Feelings about birthdays, Hope, inspiration, Legal ages, Memorable birthdays, Significant birthdays
9 Comments
Be Your Own Hero
In this day and age, I’m looking for anchors, things to hang on to when the seas get rough. You know, quick words of encouragement or inspiration to deal with the political chaos and power struggles occurring in our society, … Continue reading
Posted in blogging, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, personal essay, Reading, Writing
Tagged A Gentleman in Moscow, Amor Towles, Anais Nin, beliefs, challenge, core values, courage, courage of your convictions, Encouragement, everyday heroes, heroes, Hope, inspiration, LA Times, personal challenge, personal journeys, principles
4 Comments
Elegant Ladies of the Desert
I live in a valley in the California desert – home of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, R.C. Gorman sunsets, and palm trees. Areas of the valley’s desert may be unspoiled and unpopulated or highly groomed with burgeoning … Continue reading
Posted in Creativity, Finding Ideas: The Creative Process, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, poetry, Reading, Writing
Tagged artist Naomi Brown, artist R.C. Gorman, Coachella Valley, Coachella Valley Desert, Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival, desert palms, haiku, nature, nature as inspiration, palm trees, poetry, poetry in nature
2 Comments
Coffee and a Muffin
It was a Tuesday morning. I’d just left my writers’ critique group which meets in our local La Quinta Library, thinking about all the SLJ’s I had to do when I got home. i.e. change the bed, do some wash, … Continue reading
Posted in blogging, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, personal essay, Reading, Writing
Tagged air conditioning woes, benefits of having a dog, effects of conversation, La Quinta Library, latte, May is Mental Health Month, Mental Health, muffins, Old Town Coffee, reset our thinking, taking a break, taking care of your mental health, taking time to reset, The Skimm
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When Your Story Setting Chooses You
You may have visited or lived in a place you knew would become a setting for a story you had yet to write. A place that spoke to you in not only a visceral, emotional way, but also in an … Continue reading
Posted in Authors, blogging, Books, Creativity, fiction writing, Finding Ideas: The Creative Process, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, Reading, short story, Writing
Tagged Choosing a story setting for your writing, Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls, short story, story setting, story setting influencing a character, The American Falls, The Canadian Falls, The Horseshoe Falls, writing the short story
9 Comments
When Your Book Gives Back …
It’s always gratifying as an author to receive feedback and validation about your book. I’m speaking of a compliment, an award, a good review, a referral, a speaking engagement, a book signing, recognition by your peers. These are definitely “feel … Continue reading
Posted in blogging, Books, Creativity, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, poetry, Reading, Writing
Tagged All Ways A Woman - a collection of original art and poetry, fight or flight, friendship, nybookeditors.com, poetry, poetry for inspiration, poetry to celebrate, poetry to honor, quilting, Rebecca Solnit, supporting a friend, tend-and-befriend, The Mother of All Questions, writing
10 Comments
Written Beneath the Palms 