Vox Populi...The People Have Spoken: Another Survey Winner!

My followers have spoken.  

The majority voted in last month's survey for "The Craft of Writing" posts on Mulling it Over Mondays.  Since "social media" came in second, I will attempt on occasion to include tidbits of info about platform building via the social media route.

Teresa, winner of last month's survey contest, suggests we begin with the book, "Writing Tools," by Roy Peter Clark.  As he says on the back cover of his book, "Writing is a craft you can learn.  You need tools, not rules."

Good choice, Teresa!  Not only is there useful information for writers (and actually, anyone who picks up a pen), but it is compiled into 49 chapters...one for each week of the year, with 3 weeks off for a blogging holiday.  Perfect!



AND A BONUS: for Mac Fans, there is a free download for the podcasts related to "Writing Tools"!  Find it here.

THE PLAN?

Beginning September 3rd, Mulling it Over Mondays posts will feature a writing tool of the week from Roy's book.  A simple, hopefully short post that summarizes the concepts in each chapter, which will help the writer to hone his/her craft.

Now, on to the WINNER of last month's post:  ARLEE BIRD!!

Arlee has been involved in the gigantic task of organizing, running and posting the A to Z Blogging Challenge last April.  He was a wonderful encouragement to those posting daily during the month.  A to Z was a perfect way to grow our followers and develop our blogging muscles.  Join us next year!  Find the info from A to Z 2012 here.

As promised, Arlee may choose any handmade soap from my friend Daisy's collection at "Fresh as a Daisy."  Now, before you laugh, I want you to know that my husband uses the "manly" scented soaps each day, and is hooked!  Daisy's boys eagerly take baths with her creative "Camouflage" soaps.  There are many other masculine scents to choose from.  So, Arlee, check out her collection at "Fresh as a Daisy,"(look in the "photo" section) make your selection, then contact her at daisy soaps@ymail.com with your choice.  She will arrange the rest!

Thanks, Arlee, for participating in my survey.  And to the rest of you who helped to choose my post topics for the year.  

My goal is to SERVE YOU, by posting helpful advice to further your writing career.

Stay tuned...I have another post idea mulling over in my mind.  If you have any other ideas, let me know below...
What issues do you struggle with as you write?

Random Acts of Kindness to Writers Award: And the Winner is...

These awards are spurring me on in my attempt to write and design readable posts which inform, instruct and inspire!

This one was begun by the ladies at the Bookshelf Muse, Angela and Becca, who have just released a powerful tool for developing characters in your story.  The best part is....they are giving away a sample PDF file of "The Emotion Thesaurus" for anyone who visits their site! Check it out, here.

This award serves to celebrate those who have supported writers in our craft via critiques, blog posts, reviews,  challenges, or, just as important, words of encouragement.

That brings me to my winner of the RAOK award:  

My good friend, DAISY of "Fresh as a Daisy Soaps"!!!

Although she is not a writer per se, she is gifted with editing skills, which she put to use a few months back on a story of mine.  Her son is a gifted young writer, which is not surprising.  But that is not the main reason for honoring her in this way.

During the A to Z Blogging Challenge in April, Daisy cheered me on with her uplifting comments on each of the 26 posts  (give or take one or two), even though she is a busy homeschool Mom and crafter. What a blessing that was to me, Daisy...I thank the Lord for you!



So, not only can she grab the badge above, and place it on her blog, but, as a thank you, I will be hosting an occasional contest (if you have any ideas, let me know), and will award the winner with their choice of one of Daisy's scrumptiously scented bath products.  She is a master at mixing just the right essence and color to mold many unique  soaps.  See her fragrant offerings here.

Do you know of a person who has helped you along the road to authorship?  Honor them today with the Random Act of Kindness To Writers Award!