Anne Faye

All writers have to deal with painful criticism from time to time, and no matter what, it hurts. I once had a person write me, not once, but twice, on very nice stationary to tell me just how bad a writer I am. Ouch! Nancy Carabio Belanger recently dealt with a very critical review on Amazon, and wrote about how she coped: Life Goes On

I'll be honest - I love my local Barnes and Noble. The first time I went to one, I was amazed. So many books all in one place and they didn't mind if you sat down and read one while you were there. It was (and still is) a little slice of heaven. But, there is something to be said for all those independent bookstores as well, and I hate to see them dying out. A few years back, I read Shelf Life: Romance, Mystery, Drama, and Other Page-Turning Adventures from a Year in a Book store by Suzanne Strempek Shea about her year working at the now-defunct Edwards Books in Springfield, MA. It was very interesting! I think every writer or book lover has dreamed of working at a bookstore. This offered a taste of what it might be like. In any event, I was thinking it might be interesting for someone (not me - no time) to go to a whole bunch of independent bookstores, photograph them and tell the stories behind them. I think it would make a great book! So, there it is - a free book idea ...

I have definitely added the Massachusetts Historical Society Library to the places I would love to visit. I was reading their newsletter recently and they truly have some amazing items in their collection (and I'm sure it must have that wonderful old library smell). Fortunately, for those of us who can't make it there in person, they have a pretty amazing collection on-line as well. For example, they have just put up the Online Adams Catalog - a comprehensive record of the papers of John Adams, Abigail Adams, John Quincy Adams, and other family members. It includes every known Adams family document from 1639 to 1889. How cool is that! Imagine the possibilities.

Quote of the Day There is only one thing you should do. Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple "I must," then build your life in accordance with this necessity; your whole life, even into its humblest and most indifferent hour, must become a sign and witness to this impulse. Rainer Maria Rilke Letters to a Young Poet

Writer's Digest was running a short story contest (the due date is tomorrow). The subject was "You return home to find out that your house as been condemned." Usually, I see these contests and pass right by them. I am insanely busy with a non-fiction project. Writing anything fiction right now just hasn't been happening, but I reached a major deadline in my other project and decided to give myself a treat and tackle this short piece of fiction. It had to be less than 750 words. I figured that was no problem. I write 500 word essays every week - hammer them out in about an hour. One night and I should have this in the bag, right? Wrong. I wrote, I revised. I had too many words and had to cut. I decided to go in a different direction . . . LOL It turned into a mini-saga all of its own. In the end, I think I spent about five hours on it. I sent it into Writer's Digest last night. I came in at 749 words! I have no expectation of winning, but it was still fun to delv...

The 2012 Online Conference is happening March 17-31. We've extended the dates thanks to feedback from attendees who say there's too much to balance in one week. This year, we'll be holding the forum part of the conference first. From March 17-24, the forums will be open so that you can read, do assignments and get feedback from our fantastic presenters at your own leisure. (Remember, forums are open 24 hours a day, and presenters will be visiting them frequently.) The forums will remain up, but presenters do not need to reply to posts after March 24. March 24-31, we will have only chats. These are scheduled one-hour moderated chats on a variety of topics. We will also be holding pitch sessions and prayer time this week. More info to come!

I recently wrote about a Church/House I would love to buy: I Want to Buy this House! Well, today I did get the opportunity to go and see it. And . . . while it is a fabulous, beautiful space with absolutely TONS of potential, it still needs a great deal of work. So, the person who buys it not only needs to have those funds, but also the funds to continue fixing it up. But, in an odd turn of events, I came to find out a bit about the current owners - an artistic couple and their small daughter. The man is a musician and the woman is a jewelry artist. She had converted the basement into this great studio space and had some publicity articles about herself posted, so I got to see her picture. Well, after viewing the house, I headed to Thornes Marketplace in Northampton, a local artsy town. I love it there, but I don't go often - maybe once a year. It just happened that I wasn't far and had some time, so I thought I'd go enjoy myself and soak up some atmosphere. It turns o...