anthologies

Starting just the other day, the Rona Shively Stories is being re-released through Books from Higher Ground! Rona’s publisher, Stonegarden.net will be closing its doors in September of this year and so, in order to ensure that Rona’s stories stay available, I have decided to re-release the books under my new publishing company, Books from Higher Ground! This independent publishing company is not yet accepting book submissions from other authors, but plans to in the near future. Until then, Books from Higher Ground is accepting submissions for its very first anthology until June 10th! The anthology will feature stories about women who have either helped or hindered our progress. We’re asking for your best 500 word story about a woman who has had a significant impact on your life; whether that be a good impact or a bad one. Those selected will receive a free copy of the anthology. All proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit Higher Ground Ministries.

It has long been my intention that the Rona Shively Stories would support the efforts of this women’s empowerment ministry. Rona is a strong woman who has been through many challenges. She’s the perfect woman to support Higher Ground and her stories are a great testimony about women overcoming obstacles. If you haven’t already bought your copies, you can buy them at Amazon.com! Both In the Wash and Under Lock and Key are now available for just $8.95 plus shipping.

If you have a story you would like to submit for the anthology, please send it to lonestoryteller@yahoo.com with the word, “Anthology” in the subject line. We look forward to hearing your stories!

It’s that time of year when I start looking at my writing goals and try to determine what to tackle next. So far, I think I’ve stayed on task as much as humanly possible given the year I’ve had. In spite of injuries and other issues, I managed to finish Keeping the Faith and begin working on a couple of new projects. This year hasn’t been easy, but it has been full of wonderful new experiences and I’d like to take a moment to mention a few of these.

Although this publisher did not survive the year, I was glad to have been included in the From the Shadows Horror Anthology. I met some really nice people and was able to have my short horror story, Eleven published alongside some very talented horror writers.

I had the good fortune of being included in another anthology this year with the winning entries for the Writer’s Digest Short Shorts. My short story, The End placed (although not in the top ten)and was included as one of the top twenty five entries in the contest. I was very happy to be recognized by this publication.

Another wonderful thing that has happened this year has been my Tea & Mystery Tour. I’ve been to several libraries in Ohio and one in New York state. These discussions have been a great way to get out and meet mystery readers and talk about the two of the things I most enjoy, reading and writing. I look forward to doing more of these discussion next year.

The most rewarding thing that has happened this year in terms of writing has been that I finally finished my first novel-length Rona Shively story. Anyone who knows me, knows that this was especially difficult for me since I have a tendency toward brevity. It’s not that I don’t have alot to say, it’s just that I generally say it very efficiently. So, writing nearly three hundred pages was challenging to say the least. I still haven’t figured out what this means to me as a writer, but it wasn’t scary enough to stop me from starting my fourth Rona Shively Story shortly after finishing KTF. I’m just anxious to see where this one takes me.

In short, I have lots to be thankful for this year. As usual, things are pretty much as good as can be expected. This is my favorite time of year and I’m hoping that the next couple of months will bring more good news and lots to do for the coming year. Hopefully, the next time I blog, I’ll have some news about the status of Keeping the Faith.

Until next time…

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