My Story, Daddy's Words, is published in Chicken Soup for the Soul.

We all have memorable times in our lives that we reflect upon while digging for inner strength. I wrote about one such time in my life. My story, Daddy’s Words, is included in recently released Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Inner Strength: 101 empowering stories to inspire and encourage you to overcome your own challenges.

These empowering and uplifting stories by people who have overcome challenges, solved problems, or changed their lives will help you find your own inner strength, resilience, and remind you to think positive, count your blessings, and use the power that you have within you.

Real stories from real people.

Triumph can blossom from tragic events or quiet moments shared with a love one. I pray those who read these stories are better able to seek and find their inner strength during difficult times.

Blessings,

Cheryl

Auntie Em!

Submitting, revising, promoting, Oh My!

The release of Piper’s Passion Cookies is nearing and my excitement is building. It’s hard to believe things are moving so quickly. The three rounds of edits are complete, and not only is my story stronger, but I’ve made a friend in the process. My editor, Valerie Mann, is incredible. She is knowledgeable, encouraging, and downright awesome!

[Dorothy] I'm going to miss the way you used to holler for help before you found your courage.

[Cowardly Lion] I never would've found it if it hadn't been for you... 

I’ve been following the yellow brick road and now I’m finally nearing the wonderful Land of Oz. I feel so blessed to have so many people along the sidelines cheering me on. You all know who you are! My sister has been one of my greatest supporters. We’ve shared a love of the writing world since we were tots, and here we are walking this publication road together. It doesn’t get much better than that.

I’m afraid there’s no denyin’, I’m just a dandy-lion, a fate I don’t deserve. I’m sure I could show my prowess, be a lion, not a mou-ess, if I only had the nerve.

Writing has always been part of my life, but to be honest, the thought of sharing my creations with the world sometimes fills me with anxiety. This journey to my first publication has been a wild one. My brain over-thunk, my heart skipped beats, and my nerves were rattled on a few bumpy passages, but it didn’t stop me. The nerve was always there, I just had to dig deep to find it.

[Dorothy] Weren’t you frightened?

[Wizard] Frightened? Child, you’re talking to a man who’s laughed in the face of death, sneered at doom, and chuckled at catastrophe…I was petrified.

The process of having my first story published has been very stimulating. (A wiz!) I never imagined it would be this much fun. The journey is exciting and the path ahead is endless. Having a dream is just the beginning. It is following that dream that leads to a happy ending.

Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue.

And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true…

Over the rainbow...that’s where you’ll find me.

My First Publication

*~wiggle~ *~ shake~ *~ bump~*~shimmy~*

This is my happy dance. 

I received word about the submissions I sent out the end of March--one of my memoir pieces is published. And a free verse poem I wrote is scheduled to appear in the same magazine later this month! I’m stoked. I don’t expect to always get great news like this, or receive word so quickly, but it feels good right now. J

Kay and Mike, Co-Owners and Editors of The Cuckleburr Times, an online magazine for writers, are officially my favorite people of the day! (tee hee)

My memoir is titled The Summer of ’82, and is presently featured on the homepage of the magazine. You can read it HERE. I hope you enjoy it.

~A Writer’s Hart

Somewhere Out There

I submitted. Powerful words.

After years of writing quietly, I’ve now begun broadcasting my works. This week, I sent a few poems, memoirs and a short story to two online magazines; finally conveying and displaying my writing passion to the publishing world. I’m not anticipating a sudden outpour of praises and pleas for “More! More! More!” (although a fascinating visual of that just popped in my head) but I’m hopeful for a whisper.

A strange serene sigh just escaped my lips. I previously anticipated putting my work ‘out there’ would be frightening, but it feels oh so empowering. Go me!

Where is ‘out there’ you ask?

♫ “Somewhere out there… out where dreams come true…”

~A Writer's Hart

My Journey Begins

Today I begin documenting my journey to publication. That's not to say I’m not a little nervous about opening my writer’s closet to allow the world to peek inside, but every story needs a little tension, right? I’m packed and ready to hit the road—the proverbial writer’s highway—to destinations (and expectations) unknown. Come along with me. I’d love the company. Perhaps you can encourage me along the way? Be forewarned, the path will be bumpy, uphill, and we'll surely run into a few road blocks; but being a country girl, I know the side roads display unbeatable scenery.

Remember the song Put One Foot in Front of the Other from the animated Christmas classic Santa Claus is Coming to Town? Well, that’s what we’ll do. Let’s begin. Left. Right. Left.

Yikes! I’ve barely stepped out of the door, and I’ve already gotten my feet wet. Since I have to stop to pull on my galoshes anyway,  I might as well open my laptop and send off a few submissions. (I tried to make that sound nonchalant, but a few hornets just replaced the butterflies in my stomach.)   I peruse through my writing file and find several of my short stories, essays, memoirs, and poems. I also have three novels in my WIP file (works in progress). Hmm. I've decided to send a poem and a short story for now. Reaching for the send button… reaching… reaching… Done. (Eeek!) Now I'll try my best to disregard the hornet’s nest I’ve stirred inside. After all, I need to watch the road for more puddles.

Well, I've broken new ground. I’ve submitted. Mmm… I feel like a true pioneer!

~A Writer’s Hart