Sunday, December 6, 2009

Christmas Parties, Mistletoe and Murder

Bayou Writers' Group celebrated Christmas this past Saturday. Here are some of our members. We were really surprised when Santa made a surprise appearance. Believe me he looked like the real deal.
Don't we look great? We've just come through a successful conference and now we're looking at a new year. I pray 2010 is our best year yet--for fun, fellowship, writing and marketing our work.

If you ever find yourself heading to Lake Charles, Louisiana, let us know. We'd love to meet you for coffee or have you speak to us.



Now on another note, If you read my blog regularly, you know my writer friend, Florence Case from North Louisiana passed away awhile back. Her last book hit the stands a few weeks ago so I bought three copies: one for myself and two to give away. Some time ago, I interviewed Flo for my weekly Louisiana Saturday Night, interviews with Louisiana authors. I'm sharing Q&A #11 with you because so often, especially at the end of a year when we look back and see how little we've accomplished, we begin to doubt and wonder if we should try beading, photography or some other craft to satisfy our creative itch. Flo's answer is one for us to keep in mind.

11) What would you like to say to writers who are reading this interview and wondering if they can keep creating, if they are good enough, if their voices and visions matter enough to share?
Ask yourself if you're meant to be a writer. Signs? You try to quit, but you keep going back to writing. You keep envisioning scenarios about people and stories. Anything else you do for pleasure or work makes you feel incomplete.
And/or you have a background involving any or all of the following: You always had a book in your hands; you'll stay up really late to read a good story; English was one of your easiest subjects; you like to spin unique tall tales or embellish on things when you tell what you've been up to. You have opinions on lots of stuff and find people fascinating. If you see yourself anywhere in the above, and you have strong skills, you'll need perseverance. Don't worry about if the market is out there. Just keep writing.

To read the full interview with Florence, go HERE. And to read my tribute to this special lady, go HERE.

I couldn't think of a better Christmas give-away than Mistletoe and Murder. Leave a comment if you want your name dropped into Santa's Stocking. He'll be drawing two winners.

7 comments:

Ey Wade said...

I found myself feeling as if your friend were describing me and I am inspired. I really like the part of the interview when she said she stopped worrying about the rules. I had been reading so many agent blogs lately I was getting discouraged
Ms. Case seemed like such a nice person and it would be an honor to win her book. Even if I don't win, I think this is a great tribute to her.
I'm sorry about her passing and my missing the chance to have met her.

Sherry Dale Rogers said...

Drope me in baby!

Sorry for the lose of your friend and a fellow writer.

Much love
Sherry

The party was fun.

Anonymous said...

I need the encouragement to keep on writing. I do find too many excuses to put off writing. I see myself in her answer to #11 and know that someday I will see Mattie Bessie in print. Thanks for all you do, Jess, to keep us on task.

You are a true leader.

bev

Sherry Ann Miller said...

Thanks for the uplifting words, they were really helpful this morning. Please put my name in Santa's bag for a chance to receive a copy of Mistletoe and Murder. Thanks. Sherry Ann Miller

Linda Yezak said...

Just what I needed to see. Thanks Jess. I'm truly sorry for your loss, but how fortunate you were to have known her!

I have come close to dumping my computer in the pond many times, but my brain starts whirring: "Maybe I should try this? What if I did that?" and I'm always back at it. According to your dear friend, that makes me a writer. Heaven help me!

I'd be honored to be one of the two to win her book. What a wonderful treasure it would be.

Love ya--and Merry Christmas!

Winona Cross said...

Well, Jess, I finally have time to check blogs, post blogs, and just spend some time writing. It is good. Love the photo of the BWG Christmas party and wish so very much I had been there. Miss everyone. The Q&A with Flo was just what I needed. Guess I am a writer. Hmmm.

Mindy Blanchard said...

great pic and great santa! missing u guys a bunch! 2010 will be our year!!