Newbie Writers/Publishing?/"Chlot"/Memoir/Silent Night

1.  Multi-published author Jody Hedlund gives sage advice to the novice writer. Don't miss these nuggets.

2.  So, you think you can make this publishing thing happen if you work hard enough. Ashley Clark shares her experiences at The Writer's Alley. There's much wisdom here if you'll read with an open heart.

3.  Wendy Paine Miller has an excellent post on "chlot." What is, "chlot?" Pop over to her  blog and find out. Hint: It will help you write your novel.

4.  LOL! This Weekend Potpourri is shaping up to be for writers. Readers, I promise the last link will be something for you.

In the meantime, I discovered a post at The Write Conversation on How Personal  Little Stories Become Big Bestsellers. If you're into writing a memoir, this is for you.

5.  Silent Night is one of the classic Christmas Carols. Like many songs, this one has a story. Janice Hayden submitted this article.

Here's a beautiful arrangement by Pentatonix on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sme8N2pzRx8

Writers:  What do you think is more important to a novel: character or plot? Please explain.

Readers:  What is your favorite Christmas Carol?

Photo Credit:  Michael Pohl

Picture Books/Characters/Acquitted/Close to Home/Book Decor

1.  People think writing for kids is easy. Once you read 6 Essentials in Writing Picture Books, you'll have a different perspective. Joanne Sher guest posts at Zoe M. McCarthy's blog.

2.  Kathleen McCleary, at Writer Unboxed, talks about developing characters organically. She attended her 35th college reunion and asked questions. They always brought responses that were the beginnings of a story - loss, success, etc. Some of her methods appeal to my Seat-of-the-Pants writing style. Check it out.

3.  ChristianHeadlines.com reports that David Daleiden was acquitted of trying to sell baby body parts. The investigative reporter, whose videos sparked an outcry against Planned Parenthood, became the target of their supporters. Get the details here.

4.  Author, Blogger, and Facebook friend, Wendy Paine Miller, reflects on tragedy no longer seeming far away.

5.  When I came across the blog, Thrifty Style at 67, I parked there for quite a long time. This post on book decor begged entrance to a Friday Potpourri post. Enjoy!

Writers:  How do you create your characters? Do you do character charts or allow them to reveal their lives to you naturally? Please share.

Readers: What did you think of the book decor blog post? Do you use books as part of your decor? Please share.

Photo Credit:  

Up, Up, and Away!

At one time, I lived in an area where we'd occasionally see a colorful hot-air balloon. Everyone would stop what they were doing and gaze at the sight.

Sometimes I surf the Net, drifting through cyberspace until I reach a pleasant landing spot. Here are some of the websites I've found in my travels:

1. Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, gives tips on how to keep your writing on track during the holidays.

2. I stayed on Edie's site, The Write Conversation, and found a great article on the correct usage for quotation marks. This one gets bookmarked on my computer!

3.Wendy Paine Miller, of Thoughts That Move, asks us why we read fiction.

Writers and Readers:  Why do you read fiction?


Photo Credit:  sloopjohnb