I’ve enjoyed the bit of cold temperatures that we “endured” for a few weeks in Central Florida. Cold is relative state. While my friends and family in the north deal with temps in the 30s, a “cold” day here is in the low 50s, with 30s in the evening, but that’s fleeting. But here we are again with temperatures in the 80s for a few days before regulating to the normal 70s.

I’ve never done well in the cold and I’m much more productive when days heat up and that is good timing as I begin to invest more time and focus on a beloved writing project. I’ve been published before, and I’ve even had the remarkable accomplishment of having been represented by four literary agents, with varied results (or none)! That’s the way the business goes. I was even repped by a large prestigious NYC big-time agency for a while. For some reason, even though I remind them each year that it’s been a few years since I was a client, I am still on their Christmas Card list! I get a kick out of that. Maybe they’ll have me back.

When you are composing your Non-Fiction Proposal, you are in essence stating your mission and message. If you’re writing a memoir, it’s essentially a story that focuses on a period of time, or a life-changing event, that presents to your reader a new perspective of a “world” of which they may not be familiar, but may find a theme that resonates. 

It feels good to be pulling things all together. Taking with me some old school experiences in the publishing world, but being open to so many trends that seem to change almost monthly. I feel now that I’m writing stronger, but understanding the marketing and business perspective more clearly through the course I’m now taking. Doesn’t mean it will be easy, or I’ll knock this project out of the ballpark, but my instructor is well-seasoned and has been very encouraging. It’s almost like having Simon Cowell critique you or being a contestant on The Voice. This is when you need to shine and stand out.

My life-changing experience that found me being part of the Soaring Spirits International organization and particularly my experience presenting at Camp Widow last July will certainly be part of this story. Although Widowhood is a heavy subject, there are ways to share it with a broader audience so that what we’ve learned might be applied to a variety of inevitable losses that sadly many will eventually face, and of course, dogs are a big part of “My Story”.

Recently, I gave a copy of Around the World in 1909:Harriet Fisher and Her Locomobile to a new neighbor down here. She told me that she enjoyed it thoroughly and that is always great to hear.

I’ll continue to share my progress in the writing world and truly hope I can maintain this refreshing bout of enthusiasm; something that seems to fluctuate these days. I take breaks and appreciate the natural beauty of this locale, try to keep focused and get something of consequence complete each day.

I once told someone that being widowed is like being on an airliner. You can be flying along with barely a bump, then just like that, a round of turbulence hits. You’re advised to buckle up for a turbulent flight. Sometimes the pilot announces that they’ re ascending to a new altitude to go around the rough patches, but once there they find no relief and even the much-needed drink cart is grounded! We are told to remain in our seats and buckled up until smoother times return as we fly in to the Wild Blue Yonder, just stopping to refuel.