Worldreader: Empowering Literacy Through Reading, Thinking and Growing

Hello readers and writers and those who are published authors!

So, I just got of the phone with my publisher and everything is going well. On our next session we’ll be discussing the book cover for Unleash Your Pearls. YAY! The book won’t be out until sometime in 2016, but I will keep everyone posted.

 

Speaking of books? I received this awesome email from Jennifer Jacobson, PR advocate for Worldreader and Jacobson communications. Jennifer wanted to share the story  about world famous author Paulo Coelho (The Alchemist) and his recent donation of three of his titles to Worldreader’s digital library.

Here’s more about their collaboration and links for you to visit to get better acquainted with this awesome pursuit of literacy.

http://www.worldreader.org/blog/paulo-coehlo-now-our-supporter/

About Worldreader

Worldreader is a global nonprofit bringing digital books children and their families, empowering them to read, think, and grow in order to improve their lives and their world. In its first five years, Worldreader has reached 5.6 million readers in 69 countries with a digital library of 28,500 local and international e-books via e-readers and mobile phones, and plans to reach 15 million readers by 2018. To read free books on your mobile phone, visit read.worldreader.org. For more information on Worldreader, visit www.worldreader.org

About Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho is considered one of the most influential authors of our times. His books have sold more than 195 million copies worldwide; have been released in 170 countries and translated into 80 languages. Born in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1947, Paulo Coelho is the author of some of the most read titles of our time, such as The Pilgrimage or The Alchemist, the book that made him internationally famous. Paulo Coelho has written many other books which have touched the hearts of people around the world, among them Brida, Veronika Decides to Die, Eleven Minutes, Aleph and Adultery.

He has received numerous prestigious international awards. He is member of the Academy of Letters of Brazil since 2002 and a Messenger of Peace by the United Nations since 2007. In 2009 he received the 2009 Guinness World Record for the most translated Author for The Alchemist. Also, he is the writer with the highest number of followers on social media. To learn more about Paulo Coelho, visit his blog: http://paulocoelhoblog.com/.

 

Wasn’t this great news to share in the fight against illiteracy?  And not to mention we have a  direct link to Paulo Coelho’s blog and awesome web videos. I’m a fan who should have purchased The Alchemist years ago:)

Thanks Jennifer.

Quote for today:

“When its positive she’s all for it”. Clara Freeman

Happy reading all!

Kudos, Complimentary Tickets And Print Book News

Good Morning Creatives!  I want you to join me in sending kudos out to my two granddaughters and their dance troupe-Dancers Be Like. They have auditions Saturday for America’s Got Talent. Break a record,  my dancers!

If you are an author looking for agents for your manuscripts, I happened upon  a great article over at womenfictionwriters here:

https://womensfictionwriters.wordpress.com/2015/09/29/10-literary-agents-seeking-womens-fiction-now-8-query-tips-by-chuck-sambuchino/

Here’s a treat for those of you in the Chicago-land area. Tomorrow, (November 7th from 6pm),”The Transformation Showcase” headed by C. Street, one of my LinkedIn connects, is offering two complimentary tickets to see their Performance. I’m not able to attend because my great-granddaughter is celebrating her two-year old milestone:)  Anyhow, I was given permission to pass the invite on to other women.

It’s all about sharing the love over here, y’all 🙂

The showcase focuses on fighting body shaming and building self-esteem by celebrating, primarily women of color, who set out to become their own SuperMe, regardless of size, shape or body type. If you’re free this Saturday (November 7th from 1-6pm), and would be interested in attending,  you can e-mail info@transformationshowcase.com, and let them know you were offered two complimentary tickets by  C. Street and they’ll leave them at roll call.

This news from the pages of The Web Writers Spotlight should bring a smile: Despite earlier predictions that e-books would overtake print by 2015, digital sales have instead slowed sharply and the tune has changed. Now analysts predict the print industry will “thrive” over the coming five years.

Bamidele Onibalusi  of writersincharge just published 50 websites that pay $50 + for Articles:

http://www.writersincharge.com/sites-that-pay-writers-50-per-article/

My book update~ the first  book coaching session went well. Linda Ellis Eastman (publisher) took on coaching yours truly and I’m totally blown away by how down to earth she is. Her affirming voice and real coaching expertise, immediately put me at ease.. She truly walks the talk and I have my fingers crossed that the next session goes well.

Your writer’s quote for today:

“A writer, I think, is someone who pays attention to the world.“

– Susan Sontag

Anything you’d like to share with u today, please speak on that!

My lesson learned from social media interactions this week~ Stand in your truths and never waver under intimidation. Shine a  ‘kindness’ light onto yourself and heal from within when faced with harsh critics and acts of hate filled rhetoric. And continue the journey. . . C.F.

 

 

Eye On The Poet…

Remembering & Sharing

Good Morning Wordsmiths!

Giving honor to God in remembrance of those who lost their lives on this date September 11th, 2001. Our condolences remain with the families and loved ones left in the wake of this tragedy.

I’m filled with a pleura of emotions as I’m grateful to share an update that is good news. My poetry chapbook, A Southern Woman’s Confessional-Poems from the soul, placed in the semifinals of the Mary Ballard Poetry Chapbook Prize!

Countdown from 200 quarter-finalists to 30 semifinalists 🙂 The top three finalists and the winner will be announced at the end of the month.

Here’s your inspiring writing quote for today:

“Language allows us to reach out to people, to touch them with our innermost fears, hopes, disappointments, victories. To reach out to people we’ll never meet. It’s the greatest legacy you could ever leave your children or your loved ones: The history of how you felt.” — Simon Van B

Save

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Writing Announcements

Happy TGIF!

I was asked to spread the news and so I am. If you’re in the Chicago/Illinois vicinity on these dates, please show up in support. The writer retreat sounds  like cotton candy on a rainy day! Sorry, Nikki Giovanni, had to go there:)

First up-

Romance is on the Menu:

Please join Woodson Regional in welcoming local Romance Novelist Eve Cogdell as she discusses and signs copies of her works, including her latest work, “The Essence of Romance”.
Who: Eve Cogdell
What: Author Event and Open Mic
When: Tues, Sept 15, 2015
Time: 5:00 pm ‘til 8:00 pm
Location: 1st Floor Conference Room
AGENDA: Discussion regarding romance, dating and marriage. Open Mic Poetry and lite refreshments. Prizes and giveaways.
Sponsored by
GREEN APPLE PUBLICATIONS

AND…

Renewal and Revision
Writers Retreat for Women
Relax. Walk. Write. Share Work.
Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25, 2015
Join MuseWrite for a weekend of relaxation and revision in Lake Geneva, WI.
Small group peer critiques and professional guided feedback on manuscripts.
Get away from work, family, traffic and other obligations and distractions to
simply focus on your writing.
Group nature walks and opportunities to sip hot cocoa
and exchange ideas.
A flat fee for the retreat includes a reception, one lunch, and guided professional critiques.
Attendees are responsible for the cost of their room, which would include a
complimentary breakfast.
To register, visit www.musewrite.com
Space limited to 30 women
Cost: $150 Early Registration
EXTENDED to 9/15
$180 for registrations after 9/15
Manuscript consultation (up to 15 pages): $45
Harbor Shores Hotel, Lake Geneva, WI
300 Wrigley Drive
(262) 248-9181
Each room has two double beds and can be shared. Rooms must be booked by 9/22 to receive discounted rate. Mention MuseWrite block when booking.
About MuseWrite
Trina Sotira and Michelle Duster are two accomplished writers with over 40 years of combined
experience and five published books between them. They both teach writing at the college level and since 2009 have conducted several writing seminars and workshops together. Under MuseWrite Press, they published Shifts: An Anthology of Women’s Growth Through Change in 2015, a collaboration of 35 nationally recognized writers. For more information please visit www.musewrite.com.

I’m off the writers blog until Sept 11th. I heart you all and so appreciate your support .

Updates From The Writer’s Blog

Happy Saturday!

Did you know that “brainchild” as used in referencing a creative product shouldn’t refer to the person but the( product) that the person has created?   ” A fictional character may be someone’s brainchild, but a human being cannot be.”

Okay:)

Things are at a snail’s pace on the relocating front IE, monies negotiations, increased hidden fees, remodeling schedule conflicts, etc. But, I’m not stressing cause God’s got the wheel ; am ready whenever things fall into place. Also this time freeze, frees me up a bit  to concentrate on a bigger “creative at work” project of mine. Hope to share good news soon.

Evelyn Cogdell’s relationship guide, Essence of Romance  (yours truly co-authors) is now on Amazon.com. Great dating resource for singles and couples-truly. Thanking you in advance for your purchase:)

http://www.amazon.com/Essence-Romance-interested-improving-relationship/dp/0966489845/ref=sr_1_63?ie=UTF8&qid=1439657152&sr=8-63&keywords=essence+of+romance+book

Email Evelyn at evecogdell@sbcglobal.net

I was asked to write a  LinkedIn recommendation for a former mentee and although I’m swamped right now with ‘stuff’ to do, I was happy to oblige. Mind your time management and always choose your “nos” wisely.

I finally heard back from the authors about The Michele Obama Anthology, where my poem, Brown Girl Challenge was selected from hundreds of submissions, for inclusion. I thought the project had been scraped, but the edits are done and the book is ready for the publishers. YAY!

Your Writing quote:

“All writing problems are psychological problems. Blocks usually stem from the fear of being judged. If you imagine the world listening, you’ll never write a line. That’s why privacy is so important. You should write first drafts as if they will never be shown to anyone.” — Erica Jong

 

 

Books On My September Reading List

Good Morning, Creatives!

Don’t let the heading fool you,I’m mentally exhausted as I’m preparing for the move in my head:) Even though change is good, it can still be somewhat intimidating and a big time-suck !

Once I’m settled, I have to follow-up on a request for a blog-talk radio interview and look into a collaborative blog offer from a LinkedIn connection. I also need to have a few professional photos taken for a commissioned self-portrait that I’m currently in talks with a nationally known artist about.

If you find a lack of new blog posts this month and in early September, consider what I’m going through and check back every now and again for more writing updates and a bit of “personal” from Clara. 🙂

These are the books I have on my reading list for September. I cannot wait to kick my heels up and devour them!

And last, this book from her Mystery Series, one of my fan favorite authors Rodeo Carlson’s 

Here’s your writer quote for today:

“We should write because it is human nature to write. Writing claims our world. It makes it directly and specifically our own. We should write because humans are spiritual beings and writing is a powerful form of prayer and meditation, connecting us both to our own insights and to a higher and deeper level of inner guidance.” — Julia Cameron

Feel free to share with our tribe, what you’re writing and reading on !

Interesting Writing Projects

Happy Friday, writers!  Today is a good day and I’m thankful. I’ve been working  on proofreading and editing a bunch of my formerly rejected fiction stories and fine tuning  selected poems for upcoming contest submissions.

Most of these  contests are non fee based and open to those of us who appreciate a financial boost from time to time, on this freelance writing road to acceptance. I hope you find something of interest:

http://writersrelief.com/peter-k-hixson-writing-award/

http://www.freelancewriting.com/writingcontests/072015-narrative-poetry-contest.php

http://writingcareer.com/post/121777231126/the-virginia-quarterly-review-reopens-for-prose

https://mastersreview.com/short-story-award-for-new-writers/

There’s something here for every writer and I know the writer in you can appreciate a good challenge as well as I do. So go at it. Flex your creative writing muscle and take a break from the mind suck that comes from writing your huge book projects.

“Or, is it just me?” 🙂

Here’s your writing inspiration for today:

“If you ever get stuck, ask yourself what happens next, then next, then next. Don’t get an idea for a situation; develop the arc for your story. Pretty much every story goes like this: Someone is complacent, they face a challenge, the challenge nearly beats them, they find a way to conquer the challenge, then emerge changed at the other end.” — Sean Platt

Do you pencil in small writings projects to take a brief hiatus from your huge projects or do you soldier on to completion?

 

 

 

What’s Your Blog Purpose?

Everyone have a happy & thankful 4th of July weekend!

“Thx a bunch. Ur blog helped me reach many poetry lovers and newbies! Couldn’t hv done that w/o ur site. Appreciate u”

This comment came from a well established artist and poet. It not only let me know that I’m providing an important service with Clara Writers Blog, it also made me appreciative of my followers and readers!

So, my question today is, What’s the purpose of your blog? If it’s solely to make money or to connect to “important” folks of influence? That’s perfectly fine, as long as you are transparent in your dealings with your readers/prospective clients.

By being transparent and authentic in your platform/brand approach and actually providing something of value to others, your blessings will flow from every cornerstone of living a life of integrity and authenticity.

And, get this, those influential people will seek you out:)

Here’s the writer’s quote for today:

“The most important trait of a writer is an authentic voice. Writers have to have faith in their own voice, and their own way of doing things. Originality is the gem that every writer possesses. Originality also brings on the most merciless attacks. The world resents originality in the beginning writer, and then rewards it abundantly once that writer has been successfully published. Cherish your own voice. Don’t try to sound like anybody else. Sound like yourself and take the slings and arrows and keep going.” — Anne Rice

Exposing Sonya’s Book Secret!

Hello Authors! I’m so thrilled and amazed to introduce the latest works from my friend and Marketing mentor, Sonya Carmichael Jones. You see, Sonya’s been keeping a secret, but now I have her permission to expose her book secret to the masses:)

After being off the grid for some time, Ms (newly Mrs) Sonya sent me all of the goings on via e-card. It so happens that Sonya has been busy writing a series of “murder & mayhem” books that have hit the market! This is such good news.

This is just one title in the series. Sonya’s (RODEO CARLSON) books are in full display at her online book club blog. The book-club, for all mystery lovers and writers is here: and introduces Rodeo Carlson author of murder and mayhem stories.

Sonya’s blog is here:http://rodeocarlson.com/blog/ Please visit and support..

My friend, the Marketingbuddha was off social media for a chunk of time, while she quietly went about her business to produce and introduce murder & mayhem to the world. I’m considering taking cues from her on this’silence but golden’ method writing.

What’s your writing method?  Curious to know.

This is my last post for the next two weeks. It’s no secret that my family’s/family reunion is held during the month of June. I’m not taking the laptop:)