CONFERENCES & CONTESTS

Good morning, friends!

Inn of the Ozarks Hotel & Convention Center

Randy and his team do their best to make your stay one you will want to repeat.

Book 2 in my series, An Ozarks Homecoming, opens up in the adjoining restaurant, Myrtie May's

The anticipated conference news is LIVE!  

This will be my 28th (29th) year attending Ozark Creative Writers. I've missed two in their 55+ years. One the year my youngest granddaughter was born. She will turn thirteen this year and the year we all missed, thanks to the big C.

Ozark Creative Writers (OCW for short) always runs the second full weekend in October and garners some big name speakers, agents and publishers as well as talented authors sharing their knowledge and expertise. This year is another example of how hard the OCW Board of Directors works.

Held in the beautiful town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas (where my current book series is set)

Aside from great speakers, for the cost of registration you can enter as many of the 'money-winning' CONTESTS as you would like. 

If you lose track of this post, you can click on their icon on the sidebar.

I hope you'll join us!

~All my best!

~Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION - A Final Push

 Good morning, everyone!

Well, first off, I apologize for no review of Something Blue last week. For some reason I can't get it to open on either of my Kindles and I just have not had time to sit and call customer service about the issue. 

I hope to have a review post for Wednesday on a totally different book. For now... 

The date has changed for Dean and Rhonda's visit. They will be here on the 9th! Yikers! That really cuts my time but I'm on a mission.

First off, I need spending money for Wednesday. So I'm paying myself an hourly wage (mind you - below the minimum wage but still...) so I can hit the Hobby Lobby clearance sale. 75% off paper crafting supplies is something I can't afford to miss since I use them in my 'day job'. I spoke with a manager at the store this morning and she told me they are behind but that everything should be in place later this week. When you're on a budget, you can't afford to miss big-ticket items like dies when there's a price reduction that large!

There's still time to Register!

https://www.ozarkcreativewriters.com/

I did not get any entries for OCW. I really had something in the back of my mind, but like Book 2, if I can't produce a quality product, I'm not going to just put something out there.

I did make progress on Publish & Thrive. I'm really enjoying the course though I know I'm still a couple weeks behind. I've been making time almost daily to sit and watch while taking lots of notes. I found out I may not need the LLC so postponed that appointment with Chrys. 

For this week, I fixating on three things:

1 - The studio. Since I lost a week with the visit date being moved up, I don't have a choice. 

2 - The Graphic 45 project is due on Friday. I'd love to post no later than Thursday

3 - Continue with Publish & Thrive

Hopefully, I'll see you back here on Wednesday.

All my best

~Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Deadlines!!

 Good morning, everyone!

The last couple weeks were completely crazy! I'm still trying to get the studio/ office redo done and now I have a deadline of September 14th. My brother-in-law and his wife will be here for a long weekend visit, arriving on the 16th. Of course, Bob comes home the week prior so I really only have two weeks to get the studio finished. Progress is being made but not as fast I'd like as I'm also working with creative deadlines.

Bee Journals

I'm on the final push to finish these three bee-themed journals. The prototype is for me but the other two are for two very special 'bee' friends. My plan is to finish these up by the weekend and get them mailed. That will let me put the remaining bee-themed items in my Etsy shop then clear the deck for the next creative project.

Graphic 45 Papers

I LOVE  working with Graphic 45 papers. The quality is amazing and the vintage images fit my style. Of course, throw in anything Halloween in the mix and I'm all over it like whipped cream on pumpkin pie!  They currently have a challenge going on to create something using their product. Winner will receive $150 credit to their store. Yes please!  Deadline is September 2nd but I'm shooting for the end of this month.

OZARK CREATIVE WRITERS

I've been attending the Ozark Creative Writers conference for the past twenty-six years. I've missed two conferences. one - when my youngest granddaughter was born then the one that was canceled due to Covid.  Each year they offer a long list of contests (with prize money) 'free' to enter for the cost of your conference registration. Unless I get something done and submitted by August 25th, this will be the first year I've not entered. I could really use the prize money to pad the author bank account for covers, business expenses, and funding research trips.  I can usually write short stories pretty quickly so I'll be really pushing on a couple of those this week. Technically, the deadline to enter is August 28th, but while I do work better in a time crunch, I hate the thought of actually entering last minute. 

I heard something from Sarra Cannon yesterday that I'd been thinking all along. An Ozarks Homecoming story isn't ready to be written. All I'm doing by forcing the story to come out, is burying everything deeper. Trust me, I really did not mean for this book to take me three years - and I have no intention of letting the other stories I have rattling around in my head (or starts in the file drawer) to take as long either - if I can help it. 

For those who don't understand, writing is a process and I'm a stickler for getting things right the first time. That was drummed into me in second grade. If you're going to do something, do it right the first time. Don't waste your time having to go back and do something over.

In the case of An Ozarks Homecoming it's imperative I get things right the first time. There is no 'do-overs' or opportunity to correct mistakes you will catch. I fear you'll call me on something then never pick up another one of my books. I can't risk that!

While I do these other things, the story is percolating in my brain. I've not turned loose of the story, I promise.

So my goals for this week:

* Catch up on Publish & Thrive course (meeting with attorney on Wednesday about LLC)

* Entries for Ozark Creative Writers aka OCW

* Finish bee journals

* At least 1 entry for G45

* Finish the cube storage unit organization.

Those should keep me out of trouble. 

I'll be back tomorrow for the wrap-up of Something Blue with my review of the anthology.

All my best

~Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATIONS - Where Did July Go?!

 Good morning, everyone!

Wow! We are headed into fall. I am so ready. We've finally gotten some rain, hopefully enough to get tomatoes ripening. I know we're finally going to mow the lawn for the first time since May.

After being gone an entire month, Bob came home last week. He was home for a couple of days before heading out last Saturday to spend some time with his youngest brother. He'll be home Wednesday evening. From there I only have him home for six days so we're going to be doing lots of things together.

I have been taking part in the PowerhouseAuthorSummit and finally broke down last night and bought the life-time access. I'll be talking more about that on Wednesday.

In the mean time, here is my Top 3 for this week:

* Register for Ozark Creative Writers

* Look over potential contest entries

* Finalize 3rd quarter project plans

I've registered for the conference first thing this morning before I forgot - again. There's plenty of time to still register. I've been attending the conference for 28 years - only missing one the year my youngest granddaughter was born (not counting the one canceled due to the you know what). Click on the Ozark Creative Writers logo in the side bar. 

I'll spend some time today looking over the contest entries. Mostly seeing if there's anything in my file I can breathe life in to or that I could come up with quick. I only have about two weeks left. We shall see. 

With Bob gone two more days, I'm off to see what I can accomplish.

All my best

~ Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION - The Countdown Begins!

Good morning, friends!

Ozark Creative Writers Conference

There's still time to join us!

I'm scheduling this a full week ahead as this week is going to be nuts as I prepare for my trip to the Ozark Creative Writers Conference in Eureka Springs AR. I will be presenting back-to-back sessions on Friday afternoon. My topic: Blogging is not dead. 

My Top 3 for this week is really simple:

* Pack

* Clean the house

* Prep meals for Bob

Mind you, Bob is quite capable of cooking for himself. He's a very good cook. But, there's still that 1950s hosuewife upbringing that won't let me go on a trip without ensuring Bob at least has a few things he can heat up. He also eats out on occasion.

I love going to Inn of the Ozarks. The place has become 'home away from home'. I've been staying at the hotel at least once a year (except 2020) since 1996). I've made many friends there. Here is a short video about the hotel & conference center:

One of the things I hope to do is visit the Bridgeford House B & B. Bridgeford House was the inspiration for Stephanie's home in An Ozarks Christmas. I've never seen the inside. I'm hoping for a tour.

Bridgeford House B & B

There are a couple other places I'm hoping to check out as they relate to An Ozarks Homecoming. Maybe a bit of on-sight inspiration will kick this book into gear!

I've scheduled posts for the next couple of weeks so the blog won't be totally deserted. 

All my best

~Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION - A Kick in the Ass kind of day

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Good morning, everyone!

Man, it has been a busy few weeks. Sadly, very little of it having to do with writing. I'm changing that this week... without a morning cup of coffee. I just need to get through the headache then we'll see.

I thought with my lack of coffee this morning, I would live vicariously through the photo. This also reminded me of a young girl ( nor more than 12) wearing a t-shirt the other day. The shirt said... My Dreams Are My Future.

How amazing for someone to be in that mind set at such a young age. I know adults who can't grasp that concept!

So, while we should never stop dreaming, at some point we have to take the steps toward that future. That's where I am today.

I'm trying to get back on track with my main sources of income here. Writing/ Crafting.  I'm starting by getting the blogs for the next 2 weeks or longer out of the way. I'll be speaking at the Ozark Creative Writers Conference in Eureka Springs Arkansas in a couple of weeks on of all things - blogging. LOL

I'm working on a game plan today. Aside from having my numbers, I need the outline finished, the handouts constructed... and I'd like them done by the weekend. Bob comes home on October 6th and I leave on the 7th. I don't want to be scrambling last minute when I need to spend those precious few 

hours with him. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

Part of the handout is to (hopefully) have a social media planner that I could feasibly sell at the conference. I know that's pushing the envelope - and I've had 18 months to work on the project - but I'm a last-minute kind of person. So we shall see.

One thing I have accomplished is to request my rights back from Boroughs Publishing Group for Somewhere Down the Line. At first they said (per my contract) I'd missed the window for the request. They have since changed and are considering the option. I'll keep you posted. 

My Goals for this week:

1 - blog posts

2 - workshop outline

3 - learn how to format planner pages

That should keep me out of trouble!

There will not be an Author Spotlight/ Review post tomorrow. I haven't had time to curl up and read. 

All my best

~Angela

 

TOP 3 3-8-21

 

Good morning, everyone!

After accomplishing very little last week, I'm healthy, energized and ready to work this morning. Let's begin a brand new week with lots of positivity!

First off, I finished the beta reading/ edits for June Faver's future book (2022 ?) ...  DREAMING OF A COWBOY. Excellent book! Probably one of the best in the Garrett family line to date.I fall more and more in love with Big Jim with every book I read. Her most recent book, FOREVER  MY COWBOY, came out in January. I reviewed the book HERE. You'll also find June's social media links on that post.

This week begins a 7-week series for the Author Spotlight and Wednesday Review. We'll be taking a closer look at the seven authors who wrote the 7 BRIDES for 7 SOLDIER'S series. The previous link will take you to Amazon where you can pick up all seven books rather than purchasing individually.

Tomorrow, I'll shine the spotlight on author, Barbara Freethy then Wednesday I'll review the first book in the series, written by Barbara, Ryder.  I'm looking forward to delving in to the entire series and getting to know the authors behind these seven soldier heroes.

In the mean time, here is the list we'll be reading:

Ryder (#1) - Barbara Freethy

Adam (#2) - Roxanne St. Claire

Zane (#3) - Christie Ridgway

Wyatt (#4) - Lynn Raye Harris

Jack (#5) - Julia London

Noah (#6) - Cristin Harber

Ford (#7) - Samantha Chase

After I finished the edits for June last week, I wound up with a stomach bug that took me out the rest of the week. I'm planning to get back in to Book 2 tonight. To further encourage me (accountability) and so you can see how things are going, I'm going to add a word count widgit to my side bar.  All I have to do is remember to update, which I will probably do on Mondays. That way when you see my week ahead, you'll also be able to see how I did word-count wise on the previous week.

Remember, we also have the Writer Tip Thursdays with our new video series. I don't know how many I can schedule ahead on blogger but I have them lined up for the next several weeks.

One more thing, I am speaking on BLOGGING as an author platform at the 54th Annual Ozark Creative Writers conference October 7, 8, 9 this year. I'll be talking about making the most of a blog (both as opposed to and in conjunction with a website) as well as the social media marketing required to make it viable. If you want more information about the conference just click on the button on the sidebar. I hope you'll join us for this fabulous conference!

All my best!

~Angela

OCW CONFERENCE Recap

I know I'm way behind on getting this up. The conference was over a month ago. I came home and spent the first week just not doing much of anything. Then the second week a sinus infection moved in and I've been pretty much inactive since. Thankfully, as we move closer to the holidays I'm finally feeling like prepping for celebrations.

I shared a table with Tierney James. My half was ready for Christmas. Along with my books, I had a crystal dish of mini Hershey Chocolates wrapped in bands of Christmas scrapbook paper - the cut offs from the booklets I made to give away. Those are in the cherry-wood box on the far right. I made a booklet similar to THESE found on Frances Thomas' blog.

The booklets were approx. 3" x 4" when closed. I had copies of my the front and back covers of the book printed on gloss business card cardstock at Office Depot. I placed the cover on the front, the back on the inside front then my social media links mat on the back. The inside right formed a diagonal pocket to hold a tea bag.

The folks at Bigelow Tea were kind enough to work with me in creating my promo piece. I purchased three of their Seasonal Gift Boxes, giving me a wide variety of holiday tea flavors to tuck inside.

I also offered the chance to win a tea pot/ cup/ saucer set when people signed up for my newsletter. 

I had the honor of speaking this year. I presented a workshop on Social Media - Choosing Your Top 3. I still want to put that into a workbook to have available some time after the first of the year.  I received great comments on the workshop though I felt rushed. 

Ozark Creative Writers board bring in top of the list speakers. 

Our keynote was the extremely talented Tess Gerritsen. Tess is as down-to-earth as you will ever find on the New York Times Bestselling list of authors. 

We were also enriched to have NY agent Doug Grad (Doug Grad Literary Agency ) 

For entertainment, there is Open Mic on Thursday night, performer on Friday night then the Awards Banquet on Saturday. 

This year's Friday entertainment was Tessa Kate (2014 American Idol contestant).

The highlight of the conference, for me was the opportunity to remember a dear friend, and OCW board member, Dusty Richards:

Courtesy of Encyclopediaofarkansas.net

After dinner on Friday night, several of us sat in a circle and shared memories. Here is Casey Cowan proudly wearing one of Dusty's Stetson hats. Dusty thought of Casey as a son.

My last visit with Dusty and his wife Pat was during the premiere of PAINTED WOMAN - inspired by his 150th novel, The Mustanger and the Lady. We met up in Poteau OK. I felt honored sitting with this couple as we watched the adaptation of his book come to life. You can see my write-up about that weekend HERE on my CountryAngel blog

Afterwards, we gathered at the local Western Sizzlin to celebrate his 85th birthday - the last he would see. Though I have photos very similar to these, I can't locate them. These pictures were taken by the movie photographer, Priscilla Tran. 

Dusty's dual celebration cake

Dusty with Painted Woman writers

Amber Lindley and James Cotten 

No conference is complete without food. Years of experience at OCW have shown the best food is a buffet. The plated stuff tends to become rubbery by the time you sit down to eat and who wants 'rubber chicken'?  The buffet provided by the catering at Inn of the Ozarks has something for everyone.

Saturday also offers a carving station of ham and beef roast. 

Finally, here's a few shots of people I look forward to meeting up with every year. Some I only see at OCW:

I hope you'll plan now to join us at the 53rd Annual Ozark Creative Writers Conference next year. 

Jodi Thomas is our keynote! I adore Jodi. She is a talented author and a pleasure to visit with. 

Tomorrow, I shine the spotlight on Fran Thomas. Come by and say hello!

MONDAY MUSINGS - Deadlines

Deadlines, whether self-imposed or given to us are important. They keep us on track and on our toes. I have to tell you, I will be like a ballerina for the next eight weeks. I have not one but THREE crucial deadlines that all come to a head the first of October in some form.

My main goal is to have AN OZARKS CHRISTMAS ready to sell at the Ozark Creative Writers Conference October 11-13. That means I have to finish the revisions, get my cover, pass inspection of Beta readers plus a final run edit then set up and copies ordered by end of September. Also, I'd love to have my cover by the end of THIS month so that I can have something to begin marketing when I'm on Tiereny James' Sizzle In the Kitchen at the end of this month. We're going with a Christmas in July theme (since those are the best pictures of my kitchen!) so a great opportunity to start building interest in the upcoming release.

Speaking of the Ozark Creative Writers Conference. When you register for the conference, you may enter as many of the individual contests as you want at no additional charge. I have a list of about twenty out of the twenty-six categories I'd like to enter. This gives me the opportunity to write out of my comfort zone, try out new story ideas and hopefully win some prize money. I REALLY want to enter the Oxbow Award which has been a long-standing category offered by Dusty Richards. This year, the category will be a tribute to Dusty as he passed away earlier this year. OCW just isn't going to be the same without the big guy. Those entries HAVE to be postmarked by August 25th! Yikes! Have I started? What do you think? LOL

I am speaking at the conference this year on selecting the Social Media platforms that work best for you. There is NO WAY I can cover everything in a 30 min (plus 10 min for Q & A) talk. So I want to have a companion workbook available to sell. Note that also has to be done by end of September so I can get copies ordered.

Are you seeing a pattern of craziness here?

To top it all off, I'd love to have the rough draft of Jayson's Range finished so that I can pitch the story to Tiffany Schofield. Tiffany has been waiting two years and I feel this is the year. Jayson's Range is the first in a trilogy set in late 1800s Texas. I plan to dedicate the series to Dusty Richards.

So.. as I exhale here and think I may have lost my mind, I'm off to kick things into gear. I hope to later this week introduce you to my Writer's Bible and how I'll be using the set-up to keep me on task.

Tomorrow, we get back to our Spotlight Author series. Addison Brae will be joining us for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week.

In the mean time,
Happy Writing, Enjoyable Reading!

CONFERENCE & CONTESTS - Ozark Creative Writers

The current Conference and Contest information has been posted to the WEBSITE. There is an excellent line-up of speakers for our 52nd Annual conference... myself included.

Okay, while I'm not touting myself as an 'excellent' speaker I am on the roster and hope to bring you valuable information about choosing the social media avenues that are best for you.

Aside from myself we have

Tess Gerritsen - (NYT best selling author) Keynote both Friday and Saturday
Linda Apple - Your Stories Matter
Johnny Boggs -
Ally Robertson - Wild Rose Press Editor - Crimson Rose (also taking pitches)
Doug Grad - Doug Grad Literary Agency  (also taking pitches)
Tamara Hart Heiner - Author - speaking on Social Media/ Newsletters
Max McCoy - speaking on the non-traditional western
Jan Morrill - Poetry
Tiffany Schofield - Two Sessions!
Ruth Weeks - Paranormal

There will also be entertainment on Friday night provided by Tessa Kate -2014 American Idol Contestant

There are 23 contest categories this year, plus the On the Spot contest. The contests are open to everyone paying the conference fee. Write your best pieces and submit by the deadline.

Aside from informative workshops, Contests (with prize money!) and great entertainment in this beautiful Ozarks community, you'll find great accommodations at Best Western Inn of the Ozarks. But book your room now as they fill up fast!

I've been attending this conference for twenty-plus years and have ALWAYS come away with valuable information, amazing network opportunities and a new lease on my writing.  I hope you'll join us

CONFERENCE & CONTESTS - Ozark CreativeWriters

"Your Lucky Day in The Ozarks"

51st Annual Ozark Creative Writers Conference
October 12-14, 2017

Best Western Inn of the Ozarks

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

I LOVE this conference. I've missed one in 27 years. Why?

Great Speakers

Awesome People to network with

Contests with prize money!

Publishers Row 

Pitching Opportunities

Beautiful setting in the Ozarks

Historical Eureka Springs

Most Hospitable Hotel in Eureka Springs

Okay, I might be a bit biased on that last one. Best Western Inn of the Ozarks and Conference Center has been our host hotel for 98% of our 51 years. The staff is amazing, the food mouthwatering (both at the event and in the hotel restaurant - Myrtie May's)

Check out THIS LINK and see what contest you can enter, who you want to meet with and how you will spend a glorious weekend in Eureka Springs!

CURRENT PROJECT UPDATE - October 6 - 13

1,000

WORDS PER DAY

_________

4 

PAGES PER DAY

While in the grand scheme of things 4 pages per day does not seem like a lot, apparently they are for me. This is Day 6. By the time I take up the keystrokes towards Jayson's Range tonight I should have written 5,000 words aka 16 pages on the novel. 

I have written 

400 words and some editing.

SAD

But true. I had three days at a hotel without household interruptions. I had a meeting on Saturday  and did some clothes shopping for an upcoming conference. Normally, I HATE to clothes shop but I found myself enjoying the experience this time and even came away with some purchases I was pleased with. Trust me, on this body that is a difficult task. 

I THOUGHT I had energy when I got back to the hotel. Instead, I found myself dozing over the keyboard. Sunday morning I even put the laptop aside and slept for 2 more hours - at 9 a.m.! Blessed with a noon check-out, this was not a problem. Except for two wasted hours I could have been writing!

I have a 4-day workweek then I'm headed to Eureka Springs AR for the Ozarks Creative Writers conference. This will be my 18th year.

So between the day job and trying to make sure hubby doesn't feel neglected, I hope to pound out the words. 

Now... to make a fresh cup of coffee.

CONTEST & CONFERENCES- The Ozark Creative Writers

I've been attending the annual Ozark Creative Writers Conference (OCW as we regulars refer to the event) about 20 years. Aside from Romance Writers of America conferences, this was the first writers conference I ever attended.

Ozark Creative Writers is a unique multi-genre conference in it's 47th year! Held in beautiful Eureka Springs Arkansas the second weekend in October, this is a conference you do not want to miss! Aside from two days of workshops, there is plenty of opportunity to network, pitch your next big seller as well as offer your own books for sale at an author's table.

The beautiful Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Hotel and Convention center is our Home for 3-4 days. I never stay anywhere else when I go to Eureka Springs. The staff are amazing. After so many years, this is like a family reunion for me - and we're always open to letting new folks in. Reservations fill up fast around town as this is when Autumn shows off a fabulous wardrobe of color. You'll find additional accommodation suggestions on the OCW or the Official Eureka Springs websites

Plus for the cost of your registration you may enter as many of the contest categories as you wish with the chance of winning prize money. But hurry... entries must be postmarked by Sept. 1

They've added a couple of new things this year.
One is a Jam Session in memory of talented songwriter, Nick Nixon. So if you play an instrument or just like to sing, plan to sit in on this fun addition to an already great conference.

Another continuation from the last couple of years but with a little extra umpf is the Fiddle Faddle Anything Goes Open Mic.  This takes place on Thursday evening as what use to be our Meet and Greet/ cocktail hour.

So polish up those entries, pack your walking shoes and be prepared for a conference you'll come back to year after year!

Week of August 20th

Happy Monday, everyone!

I have 1 GOAL for this week. Rough out 3 contest entries.
The writers retreat last weekend was more about the stamping convention so I wasn't too upset with the fact that all I managed was an article for Polymer Cafe magazine. It's the first of three I have coming due so that's okay.

But the OCW contest deadline is coming up fast and I need to get my butt in gear. I may have found what to write about for the travel article category and I did get a thumbs up on a critique for one of the shorts. There's still time for you to submit something and/ or get in on the early registration for this awesome conference!

So my GOAL for this week:
1- paranormal short story
2 - My Favorite Things creative non-fiction
3 - 1 other short

Tomorrow, we have a very special guest so you won't want to miss her!
Keep Reading, Keep Writing!
Angela

Weekly Goal

Happy Monday, everyone.

Yes, I know I'm behind. The last post was about Bob coming home. I don't do a lot of computer time when he's home. I do the writing I need to do and that's it. He is the most important person in my life and when he's home, it's all about him. He truly is my hero.

That said, he leaves out tomorrow for his three weeks of playing riverboat Captain and I'll be back to my regular routine. Beginning Thursday I'll be spending four days with a friend from my Peoria crit group. We're looking forward to an intensive writing/ critique session - just us girls.

So tomorrow I'll work fast and furious on the rough draft of a paranormal/ time travel short story. Think the Ghost and Mrs. Muir. I love doing these kinds of stories. Part history and part contemporary, letting me play in both worlds. I'm planning to enter the story in the OCW competition. The deadline for entries is the end of this month and I have 'a few' I want to have done.

What are you working on?
Creative Blessings
Angela

Weekly Goals

Good morning everyone!
It feels good to not only be writing, but posting on a regular basis. Before I delve into what's on my plate for the week, I hope you'll stop by my friend Annie Bancroft's blog. I am her guest blogger and I'd love to see you over there! You'll find out 8 things you may or may not know about me, including which two authors I'd most love to chat at length with.

Bob comes home on Wednesday so I'm trying to get a jump on posts for the week. I've discovered the auto-post feature on blogger so I can write my posts the night before and set them to run the next morning while I enjoy coffee on the deck with my real-life hero.

Last week I was able to finish one of the contest entries for OCW. They're due the end of August. I also mapped out and researched for a second entry and know where I'm going with a third. My goal is to get the roughs of the contest entries out of the way so I can focus on the novel again for NanoCamp in August. Any of you participating?

Traditionally for Nano events you are supposed to write 50,000 words of a NEW piece. Well, for August I'm going rogue and hopefully finish the rough of my HonkyTonk Hearts target novel. I can't start something new right now. If I can get it finished then I'll reward myself with a whole new concept in November for the official NaNoWriMo2012.

Here's to another fabulous week on the writing journey.
Angela